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SNHD: 2 new vaping-related illnesses in Clark County

Posted at 5:49 PM, Sep 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-18 21:11:12-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Southern Nevada Health District says there are two new cases of illness linked to e-cigarette products in Clark County.

The patients are ages 18 or older.

Earlier this month, a person under the age of 18 was the first local case.

RELATED: SNHD: Vaping-related illnesses in Clark County

On Tuesday we published polls on Facebook and Twitter asking if e-cigarette flavors should be banned in Nevada following a vote in New York state that restricts flavors to tobacco and menthol. Participate and/or check out the results below.

RELATED: New York state bans most flavors of e-cigarettes

The SNHD says one of the Clark County individuals reported using e-cigarettes with nicotine products only. Two of the individuals reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, and one also reported using cannabinoid (CBD) oils.

All three individuals reported purchasing or acquiring their products from different sources, including friends, retail outlets, and through online purchases.

“While the cause of this outbreak is still unknown, there is an undeniable association with the use of e-cigarette products,” said Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “My continued recommendation is for people not to use any vaping products or e-cigarettes.”

Symptoms associated with the reported illnesses include:

Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain)

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
  • Non-specific symptoms (fatigue, fever, or weight loss)

People who use e-cigarettes and experience any of these symptoms are advised to seek medical care right away.

RELATED: Trump administration moves to ban flavored e-cigarettes

People seeking help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-Quit-Now or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) from a Nevada area code.

There have been 380 cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products, or vaping, reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC’s case report was revised to only include confirmed and probable cases. Previously reported numbers included possible cases still under investigation by local and state health departments.

RELATED: Michigan becomes first state to ban flavored e-cigarettes

Seven deaths have been reported; the most recent occurring in California. These numbers are changing frequently.

The CDC continues to report that it has not identified any specific substance or e-cigarette product that is linked in all cases. Many but not all patients report using e-cigarette products that contain THC.

Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.

Up to date information on the outbreak is available on the CDC website.