Vaping-Related Lung Injury
Background
The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating cases of individuals who have developed severe lung illness with no clear infectious cause after using e-cigarettes, or “vaping.” Similar cases have been reported in other states across the United States.
Cases of Vaping-related Lung Disease in New Mexico: 24
(The case count is updated weekly, on Thursdays)- Of those interviewed (N=14), eleven reported THC use. Three patients reported only nicotine use. This is similar to national exposure information.
- Almost all cases (23 of 24) in New Mexico were hospitalized with 15 cases requiring intensive care.
- Age ranges of cases: 13 – 61 years
- Counties with cases include: Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Curry, Sandoval, San Juan, Valencia, Quay and Dona Ana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the lung disease?
- The exact cause has not been identified. However, the recent editorial Vaping-Induced Lung Injury in the New England Journal of Medicine discussed the consensus thus far at the national level. Active infection does not appear to explain the disease, but acute toxic lung injury does seem to fit.
- E-cigarette fluids have been shown to contain many potentially toxic compounds, among them: nicotine, thickening agents, flavorings, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene.
- With the large number of cases of lung injury we’re seeing nationally, it’s clear there are dangers associated with vaping.
What can people do?
- The best way to protect yourself against vaping-related lung injury is to stop vaping.
- If you do vape, be aware of the following symptoms:
- Respiratory problems - difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Other symptoms - fever, cough, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Seek medical care immediately if you experience any health issues after vaping.
What should people avoid doing?
- Do not buy vaping products off the street (for example, vaping products with THC or other cannabinoids).
- Do not modify vaping products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
What is happening nationally?
- For the latest from CDC, please visit Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping.
Information for the Public
- While this investigation continues, people should consider not using any vaping products.
- Resources for parents who want to talk to their kids, especially teens, about the risks of vaping are available at Tobacco Use Prevention.
- For free help quitting nicotine products visit Quit Smoking Now.
- Additional information for the public can be found on the CDC Vaping Information for the Public webpage.
Information for Clinicians
- Report all possible vaping-related pulmonary injury cases to the NMDOH Epidemiology & Response Division at 505-827-0006.
- Obtain appropriate testing to rule out other causes including a respiratory viral panel and chest imaging.
- Refer to the CDC Vaping Information for Healthcare Providers webpage for more information
- For clinical guidance to diagnose and manage vaping-related lung injuries, clinicians should refer to the most recent Vaping-Related Lung Injury Interim Guidelines provided by CDC.
Recent Activity
News Articles
Latest
- Department of Health Issues Order to Label THC Vaping Products (October 3, 2019)
- New Mexico Department of Health Reports Eight Cases of Severe Lung Disease Associated with Vaping of THC Products (August 29, 2019)
- New Mexico Department of Health Warns about Vaping-Associated Lung Disease (August 21, 2019)
Publications
Latest
- Public Health Advisory – Vaping Lung Related Injury (Policies, Protocols & Procedures)
- Public Health Order – Warning Labels for Cannabis-Derived Vaping Products (Policies, Protocols & Procedures)
Resources
Latest
- Vaping-Related Lung Injury Interim Guidelines
- Vaping-Induced Lung Injury
- Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping