Fall 2019 Update: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Warning Against E-cigarette Use

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that it is collaborating with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners to investigate a recent, multi-state outbreak of severe pulmonary disease that appears to be associated with e-cigarette use. In 33 states and 1 US territory, 450 cases of lung illness and 6 deaths associated with e-cigarette use have been reported as of early September.

The investigation is in response to multi-state reports of patients being admitted to the hospital with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. A few other non-specific symptoms were also reported, including fatigue, fever, or weight loss. The exact cause of the reported symptoms is still unknown, however the patients in all cases have a history of using e-cigarette products (e.g., devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges).

While the investigation is ongoing, the CDC recommends that people refrain from using e-cigarette products. They also advise seeking immediate medical attention for anyone who experiences the symptoms reported in the outbreak following e-cigarette use.

Regardless of the investigation, the CDC also recommends the following to the public:

• Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette products.
• Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette products.
• Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette products.
• If you do use e-cigarette products, you should not buy these products off the street (for example, e-cigarette products with THC or other cannabinoids).
• You should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
• Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. If you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your health care provider.

List adapted from the CDC Investigation Notice.

We strongly encourage all members of the Columbia community who use e-cigarettes to consider this information carefully when making a decision about their use of these products. You can learn more about e-cigarette use and how to access support via the following resources:

• Go Ask Alice!
• Columbia Health – BASICS and Substance Use and Recovery Visits
• CDC – Electronic Cigarettes

Be Well,

Columbia Health