August 21, 2019

Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness - Call for Cases

The purpose of this health advisory is to alert clinicians to reports of severe pulmonary disease linked to e-cigarette product use, or "vaping".

As of August 15, 2019, 94 possible cases of severe lung illness associated with vaping have been reported in 14 states since June 28, 2019. Clusters are occurring in multiple states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Indiana and Minnesota, primarily among adolescents and young adults. Additional states have alerted federal CDC to possible (not confirmed) cases and investigations into these cases are ongoing. There is no conclusive evidence that an infectious disease is causing the illnesses. While some cases in each of the states are similar and appear to be linked to e-cigarette product use, more information is needed to determine the etiology.

Clinicians should consider vaping-associated pulmonary illness in the evaluation of patients with significant respiratory illness and a history of vaping. Patients presenting with significant respiratory illness of unclear etiology should be asked about their use of vaping products. For patients who have used vaping products, clinicians should ask about the extent of use, the type of instrument used, the type of vaping liquid used, and the place of purchase.

It is not yet known if similar cases are occurring in Maine.

Advisory (PDF)