Milwaukee Health Department urges residents to immediately stop vaping

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department is urging residents to immediately stop using sprays and / or electronic cigarettes.

Sixteen people have been hospitalized for severe chemical pneumonia, or chemical pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs due to aspiration or inhalation of irritants) since Wednesday, according to the Department of Health.

These individuals reported using vaporized or buffered products (oil vapors, extracts or marijuana concentrates) in the weeks and months prior to hospitalization. However, the details of the products are unknown, according to the Department of Health.

Residents are strongly encouraged not to use THC products containing electronic fluids, according to the press release.

Counties with confirmed cases include Dodge, Door, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Portage, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago.

"We continue to learn about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes. As the city's public health authority, the MHD is committed to protecting the public from the dangers of indirect exposure, "said Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, Health Commissioner.

Councilor Michael J. Murphy, co-chair of the Cocaine and Opioid Heroin City-County Task Force, explained the importance of why residents should not use vaping products.

"As a person who has worked diligently to eliminate young people's access to tobacco and e-cigarettes, I urge residents to pay close attention to the adverse effects of using these products." about health."

If you or any of your acquaintances are aware of the following symptoms and have used vaping products, please contact your primary care physician immediately:

Clinicians who are aware of such cases should report incidents to their local public health officer.

For more information on electronic cigarettes or vaping,

click here.