The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is investigating possible cases of severe respiratory illness in individuals who reported vaping.
However, there are no reports of death related to these cases at this time.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state investigators have not yet identified any specific product or compound that is linked to the cases.
The DPH has requested that health care providers throughout Georgia ask patients with severe respiratory illness about the use of products (devices, liquids, refill pods) used for vaping nicotine and/or THC, and report possible cases to the Georgia Poison Center. Patients with a history of vaping who are experiencing breathing problems should seek medical care.
E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products, according to the CDC. Use of these products can increase the possibility of addiction and long-term harm to brain development and respiratory health.