More people hospitalized with serious lung problems linked to vaping have been found, Wisconsin health officials reported Friday. Last week, health officials reported eight cases of this strange cluster, all involving teens. The cases now involve teens and young adults. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 11 cases have been identified (including the cluster of eight), and the state’s disease detectives are looking into seven other possible cases. Officials have not confirmed the cause of these injuries, but they’re explicitly warning residents to not vape, and the CDC has now joined the investigation.
The cases date back to late June. All of the patients have been diagnosed with severe lung damage, and with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and weight loss. The severity of illness has ranged, with some needing medical assistance to breathe, and while patients have generally improved, it’s still not clear whether they will experience any long term effects.
“We are currently interviewing patients, all of whom reported recent vaping. Our disease investigators continue to gather information about the names and types of vape products that were used in hopes of determining a common link,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm in a statement Friday. “We strongly urge people to avoid vaping products and e-cigarettes. Anyone—especially young people who have recently vaped—experiencing unexplained breathing problems should see a doctor.”
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