Nebraska Reports First Death Related to Vaping
A death related to severe lung disease associated with vaping was reported earlier this week by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The person, who was over 65, was from the area served by the Douglas County Health Department, according to a news release. They died in May.
A dozen different vaping-related deaths, reported in 10 other states, have been reported, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Prior to the outbreak of lung injury associated with vaping in Wisconsin and Illinois this past August, vaping-associated lung injuries were unreported and not tracked by public health agencies,” State Epidemiologist Tom Safranek said. “Once the problem was recognized, states quickly ramped up surveillance and found current cases, but have also discovered cases that occurred before the August outbreak.”
Nebraska has 11 other cases of vaping-related illness, with two under investigation, including some who were hospitalized. The state agency has asked Nebraska providers to report suspected cases to health authorities.
The CDC is recommending that people avoid using e-cigarettes or other vaping products, particularly those with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
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