Statewide Iowa — Nationwide there are now 1,299 reported cases of severe respiratory illnesses associated with vaping, including 26 deaths, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Iowa, 38 cases have been reported, with more currently under investigation. No deaths have been reported. Most cases (33) report vaping illicit THC products; the rest report using only nicotine products or the product used is not known. The Iowa Department of Public Health says they’re continuing to work with clinical and public health partners to investigate these cases.
IDPH urges Iowans to not use vaping and e-cigarette products, since the cause of this outbreak is not yet clear and the long-term health impacts of these products are unknown.
Anyone who has been vaping or using e-cigarette products and is having trouble breathing should seek medical care, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
For more information, visit idph.iowa.gov/ehi/lung-disease-vaping.
