Officials confirm first vaping-related illness in Canada

This afternoon, officials confirmed the first vaping-related illness in Canada.

In the United States, there have been several deaths and hundreds of potential cases of severe lung illness associated with vaping.

Today, officials confirmed a case involving a high school aged youth in London, Ont.

Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit announced the news, saying that the case was reported late last week.

The youth has made a recovery, however, they were in the ICU and had to be put on life support for a time.

“While we aren’t able to say conclusively that the respiratory illness that occurred in this young person was the result of vaping, there is no other identifiable cause in this case,” says Mackie.

“We know very little about the long-term health effects associated with e-cigarettes, but our findings so far are enough to convince us of the need to advise the public.”

After an investigation into the case, there were no other cause found, including infectious or immune related issues.

Mackie said that the physician reported the case through Canada Consumer Safety Act, providing crucial information about the public risk associated with e-cigarettes.

Health agencies in Canada have been monitoring vaping related health concerns since an increase of cases popped up in the U.S.

Mackie noted that many of the ingredients found in vaping products have not been tested for their health impacts, and although they’ve found that the illnesses are vaping related, they don’t yet know why.

Health Canada recently issued a warning to people who do vape to monitor themselves for lung problems.

The health authority has also called on physicians across the country to ask patients about their use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products when they present with respiratory symptoms, especially when there isn’t an apparent reason for the illness.

“Vaping is not without risk, and the potential long-term effects of vaping remain unknown. Non-smokers, people who are pregnant and young people should not vape,” said Health Canada.

“Canadians are reminded that the purchase of vaping products outside the legal market may create additional risk as these products are unregulated and potentially unsafe, and thereby pose a risk to health and safety.”

Officials also warned about the dangers of illegal cannabis e-cigarettes, which they say may be contaminated.

They added that people should avoid modifying their vape products.