Case of vaping-associated lung injury confirmed in Kitsap
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 11/26/2019 03:03 PM PST
Nov. 26, 2019
Case of vaping-associated lung injury confirmed in Kitsap
The case is part of nationwide outbreak.
KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Public health officials have confirmed a case of severe lung injury associated with vaping in Kitsap County.
The case, reported this month, involved a Kitsap resident who reported using e-cigarette (vapor) products containing nicotine. The Kitsap Public Health District and the Washington State Department of Health determined the case fit the definition for a nationwide outbreak of lung injury associated with vaping.
It is the first case of vaping-associated lung injury confirmed in Kitsap County. A probable case was identified in Kitsap in October, but the case was not confirmed based on the information available.
Nationwide, more than 2,000 people have been hospitalized with vaping-associated lung injury and more than 40 deaths have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nineteen cases have been reported in Washington, according to the state Department of Health.
The only confirmed link among all cases is that patients reported using vapor products. The CDC has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern in some people with vaping-associated lung injury. Other potential causes have not been ruled out. The Washington State Board of Health on Nov. 20 enacted a temporary ban on vapor products containing vitamin E acetate. Government agencies continue to investigate the outbreak.
“The safest option is to not vape,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said. “We encourage everyone to talk with their family and friends about the health risks associated with vaping, and to avoid these unregulated products until more is known about their safety.”
Health officials advise that not vaping or smoking is the healthiest option. People who don’t use e-cigarettes or vapor products should not start. Youth, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should never vape or smoke.
People who continue to vape should monitor themselves for symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, and seek medical guidance if they have health concerns.
Cessation resources available
Those who smoke or vape and want to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. Resources are available at doh.wa.gov/quit or by calling the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
For more information about vaping-associated lung injury, go to cdc.gov or doh.wa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2330 Office | (360) 728-2235 Main pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org