DCHHS Reports Its First EVALI Associated Death

Dallas – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reports its first death associated with EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping, Associated Lung Injury). The patient was in their teens with a chronic underlying medical condition and a resident of Dallas County. For patient confidentiality purposes, Dallas County does not provide additional identifying information on the patient.

As of Dec. 30, 2019, DCHHS has received reports of 53 confirmed or probable cases in patients hospitalized in Dallas County facilities, including one teen who reported just starting vaping one month ago.

“Reporting a death in a teen due to EVALI is so tragic,” DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang said. “We are seeing that severe lung damage, and even death, can occur with just short term use of these products.”

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating liquids which typically contain nicotine, flavorings, or other chemicals which are inhaled, a practice referred to as “vaping.” Marijuana and other drugs can also be delivered by e-cigarettes. Nationally, a total of 2,561 cases of hospitalized e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury or deaths have been reported including 55 deaths in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Texas has reported 228 confirmed cases and two deaths associated with EVALI.

SOURCE Dallas County Health and Human Services