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Possible cases of vaping-related illnesses being investigated in Canada

This week, the health authority in London, Ont., confirmed that they were investigating a case of respiratory illness in a youth that was possibly vaping related.

Canada’s chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, says that at least three reports of potential vaping-related illnesses are being investigated in the country, including that case.

<who>Photo credit: The Canadian Press

Officials with the Middlesex-London Health Unit said the youth was initially on life support in an intensive care unit, but was sent home to recover.

Other causes, such as infectious or immune, were ruled out. Official said that vaping was the most likely cause, however they have not yet been able to confirm.

“I’m also aware of … a couple of additional incidences under investigation that we are aware of through the Health Canada Consumer Product Safety reporting system,” Tam said Friday.

Tam said Health Canada is concerned about the report from Ontario and the more than 500 cases — including seven deaths — that have been recorded in the United States.

Tam wouldn’t divulge the health status of the individuals, their ages, or where they’re from. However, the patient from London, Ont. was confirmed to be a high school aged youth who used e-cigarettes every day.

Some of the cases date back to 2018 “so they’re not necessarily recent,” but investigations into them are new.

A recent study showed that vaping is on the rise amongst young Canadians. The study, led by Professor David Hammond of the University of Waterloo, found a massive 74% increase in youth vaping between August 2017 and August 2018.

According to the study, cigarette smoking among 16-19 year-olds in the same 2017 to 2018 time period increased by 45%, from 10.7% to 15.5%.

Physicians across the country have been told to watch for signs of respiratory illness in patients who use vaping products. Health Canada has also warned the public about the risks associated with vaping.

-With files from The Canadian Press.





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