FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2019

Contact: Dr. Diamond D. Hanson
Office: 414-286-3548
Cell: 414-758-0136
HEALTH ALERT

City of Milwaukee Health Department Urges Residents to Stop Using Vaping Products
Severe pulmonary disease has been discovered among teens and adults who reported vaping
MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is urging residents to stop using any vape
and/or e-cigarette devices immediately. As of August 28th, 16 individuals have been hospitalized with
severe chemical pneumonitis, or chemical pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs due to aspiration or
inhalation of irritants). These individuals reported using vape products or dabbing (vaping marijuana oils,
extracts, or concentrates) in the weeks and months prior to hospitalization. However, at this time, the
specifics of the products are unknown. Residents are again strongly encouraged to not utilize any THC
products containing e-liquid. Counties with confirmed cases include Dodge, Door, Kenosha, Milwaukee,
Portage, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago.
“We continue to learn more about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes. As the public health
authority for the city, the MHD is committed to protecting the public from the dangers of secondhand
exposure,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Jeanette Kowalik said.
Alderman Michael J. Murphy, who is the Co-Chair of the City-County Heroin, Opioid, Cocaine Task Force also
weighed in on the importance of why residents should not use vaping products. “As someone who has
worked diligently to eliminate access to tobacco and e-cigarettes among youth, I urge residents pay close
attention to the poor health effects from using these products.”
If you or anyone you know are experiencing the following symptoms and have used vaping products, please
contact your primary care physician immediately:
 Cough
 Shortness of breath
 Fatigue
 Fever
 Anorexia
 Pleuritic chest pain
 Nausea
 Diarrhea
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Clinicians who become aware of such cases should report incidents to their local public health officer.
More information regarding e-cigarettes or vaping can be found at: dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging or
milwaukee.gov/health
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