First vaping-related illness confirmed in Clark County

The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed the first severe pulmonary illness related to vaping in Clark County, according to a statement from the Clark County Combined Health District.

The health district did not offer additional information about the patient’s condition at this time, but the Springfield News-Sun is working to learn more.

“The Clark County Combined Health District is issuing a health alert to healthcare providers asking them to report all suspected cases of serious pulmonary illness where the cause is unclear with a history of vaping to local or state health officials for investigation,” the statement said.

Ohio now has 75 confirmed cases of pulmonary illness related to vaping as of Dec. 3. The average age for the cases is 24 and 92% have resulted in hospitalization. However, there have been no deaths reported in the state.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, as of Nov. 20 there have been 2,290 cases of vaping-related pulmonary illness in 49 states.

The CDC recommends that people: should not use e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC; should not buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping products off the street; and should not modify or add any substances to e-cigarettes or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer.

The CDC also recommends that adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking should not go back to smoking. Rather, they should monitor themselves for symptoms and see a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, fever, chills or sudden weight loss.

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