The Mississippi State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of severe lung illness related to e-cigarette use (vaping). This investigation is part of a national outbreak of vaping-related pulmonary illness whose cause has yet to be determined.
About This Outbreak
- Nationally, all reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping.
- Most of the cases have reported vaping cannabis products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.
- The specific cause of these lung injuries remains unknown, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern. This chemical can be used as an additive in e-cigarette products that contain THC. However, other substances and product sources are still under investigation as possible causes or contributing factors.
- The CDC and the FDA recommend that people not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online dealers. More recommendations »
Symptoms of severe pulmonary disease include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- nausea or vomiting
Symptoms develop anywhere from over a few days of use to weeks of using e-cigarettes. If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like these, see your healthcare provider.
The latest national and state findings suggest that products containing THC that were obtained from informal sources (friends, family, online, in-person dealer, etc.) are linked to most of the lung illness cases and play a major role in the outbreak. However, until an exact cause of the illness has been determined, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following actions:
- Do not use any e-cigarettes or vaping products, especially those containing THC, that come from informal sources such as friends, family, or individual dealers (in person or online).
- Do not modify or add any substances to e-cigarette products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including those purchased through retail establishments.
- If you use e-cigarette or vaping products and you have symptoms like those reported above, see your healthcare provider.
- If you use e-cigarettes to quit tobacco smoking, don't return to smoking tobacco.
- Use approaches that are approved and effective to quit smoking. The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline offers free, expert help in quitting.
- Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette products. Find out why »
- Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette products. Find out why »
- If you don't smoke tobacco, don't start using e-cigarette products. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry health risks.
- THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects. To stay healthy, do not use vaping products that contain THC.
- If you do use vaping products that contain THC, and you experience problems such as impairment or distress, get help quitting. Look for a behavioral treatment program that's evidence-based and designed for cannabis use disorder.