[V]ermont’s Department of Health announced Monday the confirmation of the first case of vaping-associated severe respiratory illness in the state.
Officials noted that five other possible cases are currently being investigated.
“This is a serious disease that can be deadly,” Health Commissioner Mark Levine said in a statement Monday. “The only common link so far is vaping. Until we know more about the specific cause of these illnesses, we strongly recommend that if you vape – stop now. We have resources to help. And if you don’t vape – don’t start.”
The department first put out the call for health care providers to report suspected cases of the illness on August 29, in an effort to better track the problem that it says likely dates back to the spring.
The lung disease is associated with the use of THC and nicotine products, though officials have yet to isolate one product or substance that is causing the problem. Nationally, six deaths have been reported with links to the disease.
As of Wednesday, 380 confirmed and probable cases nationwide had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of patients reported a use of products containing THC, though many also reported using THC and nicotine, and a few reported only nicotine in their e-cigarette products.
Symptoms of the illness include coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue, which officials noted may start gradually and worsen over several days or weeks. Some patients have reported experiencing fevers, chest pains, weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea.
President Donald Trump announced last week plans to take action against vaping on the federal level, possibly banning flavored e-cigarettes entirely. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday he’s taking executive action to ban the sale of flavored products statewide, regardless of what happens nationally.
Gov. Phil Scott supports federal action on the issue, his spokesperson, Rebecca Kelley, said Monday, but is not interested in a Vermont ban right away. Kelley said the federal Food and Drug Administration first proposed a ban on flavored e-cigarettes over a year ago.
“However, if there is no progress on that front by next legislative session, the Governor is open to working with the legislature on a state-level policy to further inhibit youth from using these products,” Kelley said.
On July 1, a new law went into effect prohibiting the sale of vaping products to people under the age of 21.