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CHCC: No cases linked to e-cigarettes here
So far, there have been no cases relating to lung diseases arising from the use of e-cigarettes in the Commonwealth to date, according to the Commonwealth Health Care Corp.
CHCC spokesperson Zoe Travis assured, though, that CHCC remains vigilant and is keeping its eyes out if any such situation were to occur.
CHCC received a notice from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention last Aug. 23 about cases of persons using e-cigarettes in the U.S. mainland who have developed severe lung diseases. Travis said that these cases have been reported in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New York, Indiana, and Utah.
CHCC urges e-cigarette users who develop any respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue to immediately see a doctor. Travis said that if the physician suspects symptoms related to e-cigarette use, further testing will be conducted such as chest x-rays or computed tomography, or CT chest scans, for further evaluation.
CHCC urges those who know someone using e-cigarettes and would like to quit to contact the CHCC’s Division of Public Health, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at (670) 323-7848 (QUIT). Staff are there to take calls from 7:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays, except on holidays. Interested clients can call and leave a message at any time and a staff member will always get back to them.
