ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WMAR) — Maryland's Secretary of Health on Thursday issued a clinical reporting order to healthcare providers amid 23 active state cases of lung injuries associated with vaping.
The order, written by Secretary Robert R. Neall requires all healthcare providers licensed by the Maryland Department of Health to report any cases of lung injuries they're treating as result of vaping.
RELATED: Maryland Department of Health reports 23 cases of vaping-related lung illnesses
In his order Neall says telephonic or written morbidity reports must be submitted within one working day, to the local health department where the patient is being treated.
According to Neall, the speedy reporting of vaping related injuries will allow his office to take quick action in response to any vape related illness, and determine the full extent of the outbreak and the danger it poses to the public.
The CDC has already released a case definition for vaping device related lung injuries associated with the current outbreak.
A health advisory has also been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, and the Maryland Department of Health.
While vaping is investigated, the Department of Health recommends people not use any vaping products, especially those sold on the street, which officials say are most risky.
For more information on the dangers of vaping, click here.
