First vaping-related death announced in Delaware
The first vaping-related death in Delaware was announced Oct. 3 by the Delaware Division of Public Health.
“The Division of Public Health is saddened to announce the first death in Delaware associated with this outbreak,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family. This death is a harsh reminder that these illnesses are serious and life-threatening. We continue to recommend that individuals consider refraining from vaping or using e-cigarette products. At this time, no vaping is safe.”
Jen Brestel, spokeswoman for the Division of Public Health, said the division is not releasing details on who died.
Currently in Delaware, she said, there are 11 cases of vaping-related lung injury that are defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as probable or confirmed.
The age range of the individuals involved is between 15 and 65 years old, Brestel said, and the average age of the patients is 29 years old. She also said: Eight are New Castle County residents, two are from Kent County, and one is from Sussex County; eight of the 11 individuals are men and three are women; 10 of the patients reported using products with THC alone or in combination with nicotine e-cigarette products; one case involving the use of THC involved vaping medical marijuana; one person reported using e-cigarette products containing nicotine only; and two more cases are under investigation.
“The illnesses we are seeing in Delaware and across the nation are severe and extremely concerning, and too many Delawareans are suffering,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Walker. “Vaping is dangerous, and the best way to avoid this type of lung injury is to abstain from using e-cigarette products, or vaping, altogether.”
As of Sept. 27, Brestel said, 46 states, including Delaware, have reported 805 cases of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette products such as devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges.
