Update 9/26/19: There are currently eight confirmed cases of vaping-related illness in Colorado. 

Colorado health officials have reported several cases of sudden and severe lung illness potentially linked to vaping.

These local cases have unfolded alongside other cases of illness, hospitalizations and even fatalities tied to vaping around the country.

Several hundred cases of severe lung disease in 33 states have been linked to e-cigarette use, and six deaths have been confirmed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon as of the posting of this article. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe these deaths are tied to chemical exposure from e-cigarette use, and thus the organization is recommending that Americans consider not using e-cigarettes until further research can be conducted.

The disease has not been tied to any particular substance, chemical or product. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fatigue and fever. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms, reach out to a doctor or your local health department.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will regularly update the number of cases in Colorado on its vaping and lung illness website, which also includes details about what is known about the situation and what Colorado public health is doing.

Colorado has an unusually high rate of teen nicotine vaping. Colorado clinicians, school-based health centers, campus health centers, parents, and people who vape should be aware that this outbreak is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms.

CDPHE issued a press release on August 29 alerting the public about the two confirmed cases of severe lung illness that had been linked to vaping in Colorado.

Here is how you can take action today:

Adults Who Vape

• If you are concerned that these cases of sudden and severe lung disease have been linked to vaping, consider stopping your e-cigarette use until more is known about the causes of the illnesses and safety of the products.
• If you are experiencing symptoms –  including shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fatigue and fever – reach out to your doctor right away.
• Read the latest information the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the link between vaping and lung complications.

Parents and Adults Who Work With Youth

• Get the facts about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and the harmful impact vaping can have on young people. Visit this page to get started.
• Have a conversation with the young people in your life about the risks of vaping, and what they might be hearing and seeing online. See how other parents and adults in Colorado are tackling hard conversations.
• Set a rule against smoking and vaping in your house and car. Communicate your rule to your family and friends.

 Community Leaders

• Visit the Protect Coloradans page to learn more about tobacco policy in communities around our state and how cities are putting tobacco-free and vape-free policies in place.
• Get the facts about vaping’s impact on young people as well as what adults should know.
• Have conversations with kids and other adults about the impacts, and what people might be hearing and seeing in the media.