September 20, 2019

Maine Reports a Case of Lung Illness Related to E-Cigarette Use

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

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. Patients should also be asked if they still have the vaping liquid they used. If so, Maine CDC can assist with arranging laboratory testing of the liquid.

Reporting: Maine CDC asks that clinicians report cases that meet the criteria of (1) significant respiratory illness of unclear etiology and (2) a history of vaping. All suspect cases should be reported by phone to Maine CDC's 24/7 disease reporting and consultation line at 1-800-821-5821 or by fax to 1-800-293-7534 using the Disease Reporting Form.

Advisory (PDF)