Provincial health officer says probable case of vaping-related illness found in B.C.

VICTORIA — B.C.’s provincial health officer says there is a probable case of vaping-related illness in the province.

In a news release, Dr. Bonnie Henry says there are several other investigations underway that may also meet the definition of “probable” or “confirmed” vaping-related illness in the near future.

“These are the first cases of vaping-related illness in B.C., but we fully expect there will be more as this is quickly emerging as a significant public health issue,” Henry said. “Vaping is turning back the clock on decades of effective anti-smoking efforts and creating a new generation of young people addicted to nicotine.”

The provincial government says all reports about vaping-related illness from people, healthcare providers, health authorities and Health Canada will be forwarded to the BC Centre for Disease Control, and will be investigated by public health officials.