Number Of Vaping-Related Lung Injury Cases In Massachusetts Grows
BOSTON (CBS) – The number of vaping-associated lung injuries in Massachusetts continues to grow. The state's Department of Public Health said Wednesday that it has reported 10 new cases to the Centers for Disease Control.
In total, the state has reported 29 cases of vaping-related lung injuries to the CDC - 10 of those are confirmed cases and 19 are probable. Sixty-three more possible cases are under active investigation.
Of the 29 cases in Massachusetts, 13 patients reported vaping THC only. Eight reported vaping nicotine only, and seven reported a mixture of THC and nicotine. Nine patients are under the age of 20.
"We have a bit of a Wild West going on here, intervention along the way that makes it really difficult," said Harvard Medical School Professor Dr. David Christiani.
The CDC has received nearly 1,300 reports of vaping-related lung injuries from states.
"We don't know what specifically is causing the lung injuries in these cases, but we do know the one thing they have in common is the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "We continue to work with our federal partners to share what we are learning and gain a better understanding of this disease."
Last week, Massachusetts reported its first vaping-related death, a woman in her 60's from Hampshire County.
In September, Gov. Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency and banned the sale of vaping products.
