Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday, September 23 that the state is reviewing policy options and working to address the recent public health issue of vaping-related illness and death.
To date, there have been nine probable or confirmed cases of vaping-related illness in the state of Kansas as well as two deaths.
The first death was a female resident over the age of 50 with underlying health issues; the second death was a male over the age of 50, also with underlying health conditions.
Of those affected by the vaping illness, five are male and four are female ranging from 17 to 67 years of age.
All affected individuals were hospitalized, five have been released, and two are still in the hospital.
Victims reported using vaping products containing either nicotine, THC, CBD, or a THC-nicotine mixture.
“Today, I am saddened to announce the death of a second Kansan in association with this outbreak,” said Governor Kelly. “Dr. Lee Norman and his team with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are working tirelessly with other states and organizations to gather facts on e-cigarettes and its effects. We are coordinating a response to combat this epidemic, so that families can avoid such tragic outcomes.”
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is not releasing the locations of affected individuals or information about specific cases due to the small number of incidents in the state.
There have been 530 reported cases of vaping-related illness nationwide as well as several deaths, prompting the CDC to open its Emergency Operations Center as a response to the rapid outbreak.
Dr. Norman, who will be testifying on the issue before the United States House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on Wednesday, September 25, says that e-cigarettes are of great concern to him because they are unregulated and their ingredients are a mystery.
“Most teens who vape have never smoked cigarettes,” said Dr. Norman. “Vaping is how they are initiating inhaling things into their lungs. We must work diligently and swiftly in addressing this public health crisis. Until these rules and regulations go into effect, education is our best defense. Talk to your kids. Talk to your grandkids. Keep talking about these issues.”
Governor Kelly is urging Kansans to follow the CDC’s advice and either refrain from vaping or monitor themselves for symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever) if they decide to vape.
The CDC discourages users from purchasing black market vapes, modifying e-cigarette products, and adding substances that are not intended by the manufacturer.
