Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has had one vaping case as the patient.
The unidentified patient was diagnosed with severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
- It is a rapidly progressive disease occurring in critically ill patients and had a high mortality rate.
“While there are no guidelines, steroids have been shown to help, if used early,” said Dr. Michael Reitz, at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “We did initiate steroids treatment early in this case. In addition to steroids, supportive care and very powerful IV antibiotics, along with ventilator management for ARDS, helped with this outcome.”
- The Woodbridge case comes after a Southwest Virginia man died from a vaping-related illness in a Greensboro, N.C. hospital.
- This is the first death related to vaping in Virginia and one of eighteen deaths nationwide.
It prompted Governor Ralph Northam to consider banning vaping and e-cigarettes. [WSLS]
Speculation over a potential ban has e-cigarette retailers in Prince William County talking.
“All this stuff is not true. People getting sick from e-liquids. It’s the THC cartridges from the black market,” said Shabir Bak, Store Manager of Smoke N Vape. “We know all this stuff, you know, people who work for vape shops. They all know this stuff.”
- Those THC cartridges are used by those seeking a marijuana high.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still unsure as to what chemical exposure causes these severe lung injuries due to the fact that there is a mix of cases that involve e-cigarette products containing THC and/or nicotine.
- However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized a common denominator as vitamin E acetate was found in many of the THC cartridges.
- Also known as tocopheryl-acetate, the oil-based vitamin E may be good for your skin, but isn’t good for your lungs.
“The reality is these THC cartridges are the absolute lack of regulation of what’s being put in them. I’m not saying [cartridges] need to go, I’m saying they need to get regulated,” said Andrew Kosik, manager of Tobacco King of Vape. “People aren’t buying name brand flavors from stores, they’re buying the cheapest flavor they could possibly buy. When we talk about something that could be potentially harmful to your lungs, I’m not sure cheaping out is the way to go.”
Virginia is one of the many states considering a state-wide ban.
- While few states, such as Massachusettes, Michigan, New York, and California have already taken the initiative.
- San Fransisco, however, is the first city to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.
“We know how well prohibition goes in this country,” added Kosik. “We try to be compliant in any manner when it comes to legislation, but there are some things we would try to fight or look to find an amendable solution. I do feel more strongly though for the shops that are literally just vape stores.”
Governor Ralph Northam has already banned the use of tobacco products in schools in March.
- He’s now under pressure from public health organizations, such as the American Heart and Lung Associations and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
Do you have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting your event to Potomac Local News is FREE and easy! Just fill out our form using this link: Submit Your Event.
Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
