Cases of severe respiratory illnesses associated with vaping continue to be reported in Iowa and across the U.S.   The Iowa Dept. of Public Health says nationwide, there are now 805 reported cases and 12 deaths associated with the outbreak. In Iowa, there have been 23 cases and no deaths. Most cases continue to report vaping THC products; however, an exact cause is still unclear. IDPH continues to work with clinical and public health partners at the local, state and national levels to investigate cases. Youth should especially be discouraged from using vaping or e-cigarette products of any kind, as the long term effects of these products are not yet clear.

Anyone who has been vaping or using e-cigarette products and is having trouble breathing should seek medical care. Healthcare providers should ask patients about the use of vaping and e-cigarette products and report suspected cases of severe respiratory illness associated with these products to IDPH at 1-800-362-2736 (State Patrol after-hours: 515-323-4360).
For more information, visit idph.iowa.gov/ehi/lung-disease-vaping.