A possible cluster of vaping-related illness reported in North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has confirmed three cases of e-cigarette, or vaping-related illness in northeast North Dakota in the last week, indicating a potential cluster. Individuals across North Dakota experiencing symptoms who have a history of vaping or e-cigarette use should call the NDDoH at 866-207-2880 or visit ndhealth.gov/vaping to take a confidential survey.

Reported symptoms include cough, fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting and diarrhea, chest pain, and worsening difficulty breathing, sometimes requiring intensive care. Some patients received antibiotics but did not have a positive response.

The NDDoH has received seven confirmed, five probable and three suspected reports of severe respiratory illness in patients with a history of vaping use. Similar to nationwide trends, most, but not all of the confirmed or probable cases in North Dakota reported a history of using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products.

“We continue to collect data and are working closely with the CDC to aid in the investigation,” said Dr. Tracy Miller, state epidemiologist with the NDDoH. “It is vital that individuals who have experienced symptoms and have a history of vaping either talk to their health care provider or fill out the survey on our website.”

Nationally, 49 states, the District of Columbia and 1 U.S. territory have reported more than 1,299 potential cases of severe respiratory illness from vaping or e-cigarette use among teenagers and adults. Twenty-six deaths have been confirmed in 21 states.

For help in quitting any tobacco or nicotine products, including electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), contact NDQuits by phone at 800-QUIT-NOW or online at ndhealth.gov/ndquits. To learn more about the national outbreak, visit ndhealth.gov/vaping.