New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Five new cases of vaping-related illnesses have been reported to Massachusetts health officials bringing the total number in Massachusetts to 73 and nation-wide to over 2,000. Nationally, of the 2,000 cases reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 have died of which 3 were from Massachusetts.
Half of the reported cases in the Commonwealth occurred in those under the age of 30, a quarter were between 30-49 years of age and the remainder 50 or over. Nearly 60 of the 73 half been hospitalized. 65% of the cases within the state are related to vaporizers with THC – 40% from using the vaporizer with THC alone and 25% from mixing THC and nicotine. Nearly 30% reported using nicotine only.
Federal health officials believe vitamin E acetate is the source of the vaping-related illnesses, but that it is likely there are additional causes so the investigation will continue.
