Shannon Barbare, Communications Specialist, 303-692-2036, shannon.barbare@state.co.us
For immediate release: Sept. 18, 2019
DENVER — Colorado currently has six cases of the severe lung illness associated with vaping, though the specific cause of the illness is still unknown. Colorado case demographics are detailed in a new outbreak report, updated each Wednesday via the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Vaping and lung illness web page.
“As our outbreak report shows, this illness is affecting mostly young Coloradans who reported vaping either marijuana, nicotine or both,” said Dr. Daniel Shodell, Deputy Director of Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology at the department. “Our advice has not changed: We want people to quit vaping until we have a clear understanding of what is causing this illness.”
As of Sept. 12, there have been 380 cases of the lung illness reported from 36 states and one U.S. territory. At least six people have died. The department continues to work with local, state, and national partners to find cases and work to trace the illness to its source.
- The best way to protect yourself against vaping-related illness is to stop vaping.
- People who vape should be on the lookout for symptoms: shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, cough, fatigue, and possible fever.
- People should not buy vaping products off the street, modify vaping products, or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- Parents should talk to their kids, especially teens, about the risks and dangers of vaping. Free resources are available to help parents talk to their kids at tobaccofreeco.org.
- People who think they may have been sickened by any vaping product should contact their doctor, local health department, or poison control at 1-800-222-1222.