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 Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 11
confirmed and seven suspected cases of severe pulmonary disease
among adolescents, some of whom had to be intubated, who reported
vaping. These identified individuals experienced respiratory
symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Symptoms
worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the
hospital.
“Vaping among teens has increased dramatically over the last several
years,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “While the short- and
long-term effects of vaping are still being researched, these recent
hospitalizations heighten the need for parents talk with their teens
about vaping and for both to understand the consequences and
potential dangers of vaping.”
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, as
of July 31, 2019, poison control centers have managed 2,439 exposure
cases about e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine in 2019.
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The names and types of vaping products, as well as where they were obtained, are
still being investigated. The three reported individuals in Illinois reside in
the northeastern part of the state. In order to protect the identity of the
affected individuals, additional information is not available. IDPH will
continue to work with local health departments, as well as the Wisconsin
Department of Health Services, to identify the cause of these severe illnesses.
People who experience any type of chest pain or difficulty breathing after
vaping in the weeks or months prior to these symptoms should seek immediate
medical attention. Health care providers caring for patients with unexpected
serious respiratory illness should ask about a history of recent vaping.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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