On August 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they are investigating nearly 215 cases of a severe lung disease and one reported death linked to vaping.
The federal agencies explained that they are digging up deep to understand whether or not there is a connection between certain vaping products and lung disease. They said there is no link to one specific product as of now; however, many of the cases reported vaping using CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which are found in marijuana.
And now, Kentucky Health Department has joined the investigation to track those cases. The officials are working with local health departments and medical providers to gather more information.
Last week, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said, “Even though cases appear similar, it is not clear if these cases have a common cause or if they are different diseases with similar presentations, which is why our ongoing investigation is critical.”
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said, “This situation, and the rising tide of youth tobacco use, is a top public health priority for the Trump Administration and every leader at HHS.”
Tobacco Coordinator Angela Brumley-Shelton said. “Those are the numbers that keep us up at night.”
Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland, the representative of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, said, “We’re casting this wide net because we want to see as many people out there, we’re very concerned about any possible cases out there.”
After joining the investigation, the Department of Public Health said that Kentucky has not had any cases of vaping-related lung disease so far. However, the officials are on high alert because many tobacco products are used in that area.
Brumley-Shelton said, “Especially in Kentucky, because our smoking rate is the second-highest in the nation.”
Apart from working with local health departments and medical providers, the state is taking the help of social media and starting Q&A sessions with local experts.
The officials are urging people to seek medical attention if they get sick after using e-cigarettes. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Health has said that eight of 15 confirmed cases of a severe lung disease caused by vaping inhaled THC.
