The first case of a severe vaping-associated lung illness has been reported in Alberta.
The province’s chief medical officer of health confirmed the case in a release Thursday morning.
“We are actively monitoring the situation in Alberta and working with health officials across Canada to share information and better understand this illness,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
“I want to remind all Albertans that vaping has health risks, and the only way to completely avoid these risks is by not vaping.”
This is the 15th vaping-associated lung illness reported in Canada, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. The patient has received treatment and is recovering at home.
Additional details are not being released to protect patient confidentiality.
In September, Hinshaw named the severe vaping-associated lung illness a notifiable condition under the Public Health Act, requiring Alberta physicians to report potential cases to public health officials.
All adverse events have since been investigated.
Last fall, the provincial government launched a review of Alberta’s Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act, exploring ways to better protect Albertans from the harms of tobacco, vaping and tobacco-like products, including addressing the alarming rise in teen vaping.
A final report is expected to be provided to the health minister in the coming weeks.
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