Sask. health ministry looks to monitor vaping-related issues

Saskatchewan’s health professionals have been urged to watch for cases of respiratory disease stemming from vaping.

In a media release Friday, Health Minister Jim Reiter said he was concerned with the rise in vaping-related illnesses being seen across North America, as well as the high rates of vaping being seen among Saskatchewan youths.

“Although Saskatchewan has not recorded any instances of pulmonary illness associated with vaping similar to the recently reported cases in the United States and Ontario, earlier this week I directed Saskatchewan public health officials to monitor all cases as they present in intensive care units,” Reiter said in the release.

“Pursuant to section 31 of The Public Health Act 1994, Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab sent notification to Hospital Intensive Care Units across the province that all cases of severe respiratory disease that may be due to vaping be reported to local medical health officers by phone immediately.”

Reiter urged parents to speak to their kids about the risks associated with vaping and reminded anyone with questions about symptoms to call Healthline at 811 or talk to their health care provider.

More to come.