Severe respiratory illnesses in patients who used e-cigarettes continue to rise in Iowa and are now tied to six deaths across the country, according to state and federal health officials.
Seven of eight Iowa patients, ranging from young to middle-aged, used vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical in marijuana, the Department of Public Health said. That number doubles the original four Iowa cases reported by the IDPH in late August.
As of Friday, the CDC identified more than 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with e-cigarette use within 33 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their symptoms include cough, fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting and diarrhea, chest pain and difficulty breathing.
E-cigarettes are a popular alternative to cigarettes but can also be used to deliver marijuana or other substances, including nicotine with kid-friendly flavorings like bubble gum and fruit. The product is largely responsible for an „alarming increase” in overall tobacco use among middle and high school students from 2017 to 2018, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration.
Like in Iowa, many Americans sickened in recent months reported vaping with THC products, the CDC said.
While no single substance or product has been blamed, the FDA said vitamin E acetate was found in many samples of THC and other cannabinoids used by patients. The agency said it was also analyzing samples for evidence of chemicals and a number of other „additives, pesticides, opioids, poisons, heavy metals and toxins.”
„Importantly, identifying any compounds that are present in the samples will be one piece of the puzzle but will not necessarily answer questions about what is causing these illnesses,” the FDA said in a recent update.
More: Vaping-related illnesses in Iowa tied to THC, prompting more questions about e-cigarette use
The CDC reported five deaths related to the respiratory illness in recent weeks in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon. On Tuesday, Kansas health officials confirmed one death related to the outbreak of lung disease. That patient was older than 50 and had a history of underlying health issues, state health officials said in a news release.
On Monday, the IDPH announced it was partnering with National Jewish Health to promote a program aimed at slashing the rise in youth tobacco and e-cigarette use. According to the 2018 Iowa Youth Survey, 22.4% of 11th grade students, 8.3% of eighth grade students and 2.4% of sixth grade students currently use e-cigarettes.
The My Life, My Quit program includes educational materials and helpline for teens. Teens can text or call 855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com for free, real-time and confidential coaching.
The CDC recommends that all Americans discontinue use of e-cigarette products as its investigation continues. Regardless of the findings, the CDC said consumers should heed the following precautions:
- Youth and young adults should not use any e-cigarette products
- Pregnant women should not use any e-cigarette products
- Adults who do not currently use tobacco should not start using e-cigarette products
- Adults that use e-cigarette products should not buy products, including those with THC or other cannabinoids, off the street
- E-cigarette users should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer
Shelby Fleig covers news and features for the Register. She can be reached at shelbyfleig@dmreg.com and 515-214-8933.