From the Washington State Department of Health

You may have seen recent news that many states are experiencing an outbreak of severe pulmonary (lung) disease associated with using vaping devices/e-cigarette products.

While no cases have been reported in our state, the Washington State Department of Health wants Washingtonians to have the information they need to make safe and healthy choices.

The latest:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have launched a multi-state investigation into a recent outbreak of severe pulmonary disease that has been associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping device products.
• For information on cases and updates on the investigation visit the CDC.
• Again, no cases have been reported in Washington state to date.
• At this point, no specific product or cause has been identified, but all reported cases have a history of vaping device use.
• With a growing number of vaping-related illnesses reported around the country, Washington state officials are urging clinicians to report any known hospitalized cases of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping to their local health department.

Your health

• Vaping devices — also known as JUULs, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, mods, tanks, or electronic nicotine delivery systems — can contain nicotine, marijuana, or other substances like flavors.
• Nicotine and marijuana can be harmful in any form, and these products should be avoided by youth, young adults, and pregnant or nursing women.
• If you use vaping devices, monitor yourself for symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health.
• If you are concerned about your health after using an e-cigarette product, you can also call the Washington Poison Center at 1–800–222–1222.
• 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.
• Adults who use tobacco products 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 doctor or other medical provider.
  Follow these links for resources and support if you or someone you know is trying to quit tobacco or marijuana.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. After hours and on weekends, call 360–236–4440.