Severe illness associated with reported use of synthetic cannabinoids: a public health investigation (Mississippi, 2015)

Study objectives: In April 2015, a multistateoutbreak of illness linked to synthetic cannabinoid(SC) use was unprecedented in magnitude and severity. We identified Mississippi cases in near-real time, collected information on cases to characterize the outbreak, and identified the causative SC.Methods: A case was defined as any patient of a Mississippi healthcare facility who was suspected of SC use and presenting with ≥2 of the following symptoms: sweating, severe agitation, or psychosis during April 2–May 3, 2015. Clinicians reported cases to the Mississippi Poison Control Center(MPCC). We used MPCC data to identify cases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to characterize in further detail, including demographics and clinical findings. Biologic samples were tested for known and unknown SCs by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of- flight mass spectrometry(LC-QTOF/MS).Results: Clinicians reported 721 cases (11 deaths) statewide; 119 (17%) were UMMC patients with detailed ...