Current Vaping News

The CDC is urging people concerned about specific health risks to consider not using e-cigarette products. The list of symptoms currently associated with the disease are:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss

E-cigarette users who experience symptoms like those should seek prompt medical attention, the CDC says. You can learn more about the outbreak and stay updated with the latest information on the CDC’s website.

Louisiana currently has 35 reported cases and 3 deaths, involving people between the ages of 17 and 71.    Of these, 16% vaped only nicotine, 60% vaped nicotine plus THC and 24% vaped only THC.

What the CDC Knows:

  • As of January 14, 2020, 2,668 people have been hospitalized or died associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). 
  • Sixty deaths  have been confirmed in 27 states and the District of Columbia.
  • All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.  The only commonality among all cases is that patients report the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • We do know that THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing products.
  • The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak.
  • Since the specific causes or causes of lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that you are not at risk while the investigation continues is to refraining from using all e-cigarette, or vaping, products
  • The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, products is unsafe for all ages, including youth and young adults. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.

Irrespective of the ongoing investigation, the CDC recommends:

  • E-cigarette, or vaping, products should never be used by youths, young adults or women who are pregnant.
  • Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use.
  • The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider.
  • There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk.
  • CDC will continue to update guidance, as appropriate, as new data emerges from this complex outbreak.