North Dakota Department of Health received its first report of severe respiratory illness with a history of vaping or electronic nicotine delivery systems use. North Dakota joins 25 other states who have reported more than 200 potential cases of severe respiratory illness from e-cigarettes among teenagers and adults.
Reported symptoms include cough, fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting and diarrhea, chest pain and worsening difficulty breathing, sometimes requiring intensive care. Some patients received antibiotics but did not have a positive response. A variety of vaping products associated with the illnesses have been reported across states.
“As people call in with these reports, we will continue to gather data in an effort to find answers and linkages,” said Tracy Miller, state epidemiologist with the NDDoH. “We’re working closely with the CDC on the national outbreak.”
The NDDoH is asking health care providers to watch for cases of severe respiratory illness and ask about recent vaping and e-cigarette use. Individuals experiencing symptoms and have a history of vaping or e-cigarette use should call the NDDoH at 866-207-2880 or visit ndhealth.gov to take a confidential survey.
“Individuals are discouraged from using vaping and e-cigarette products of any kind as the long-term health impacts are unknown,” said Neil Charvat, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “Patients with a history of vaping who are experiencing breathing problems should seek medical care and inform their health care providers.”
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For help in quitting any tobacco or nicotine products, contact NDQuits at 800-QUIT-NOW or online at ndhealth.gov/ndquits . To learn more about the national outbreak, visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html .
