CDC Reports Lung Injuries Associated with E-Cigarette/Vaping

UMBC’s University Health Services (UHS) is working to educate students and the University community about a new CDC report on an outbreak of lung injury associated with vaping.

The Basics

• As of Nov. 20, 2019, 2,290 lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette/vaping products have been reported to CDC from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands).

• 47 deaths have been confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette/vaping products.

• The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (friends, family, illicit dealers), are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak.

• Vitamin E acetate has been identified as a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).

• THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

The Symptoms

Patients in this investigation have reported symptoms such as:

• cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

• fatigue, fever, chills, or weight loss

Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. A lung infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.

Remember

• Do not buy e-cigarette/vaping products with THC or CBD oils off the street, and do not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.

• See a healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.

Getting Help

• Talk to someone at UHS (410-455-2542) or the Counseling Center (410-455-2472).

• Contact The Haven at UMBC for recovery and sober living resources for students.

• Visit the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment locator to locate treatment in your area, or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

• Contact your healthcare provider, or call the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens’ What to Do If You Have a Problem with Drugs.

• Get resources and support at Smokefree Teen and Truth Initiative.