2nd IL Vaping-Related Death: Patient Dies After Lung Injury

ACROSS ILLINOIS — A second person in Illinois has died after being hospitalized with a severe lung injury related to vaping, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Thursday. This news comes just two months after another person died after being hospitalized with respiratory illness linked to vaping, according to state health officials.

As of Oct. 24, 153 people in Illinois, ranging in age from 13 to 66 years old, (with a median age of 22), have experienced lung injuries after using e-cigarettes or vaping. According to a news release, the IDPH is working with local health departments to investigate another 41 possible cases.

Health officials said more than 80 percent of the cases in Illinois report recent use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products from "informal sources" such as friends or on the street. Almost half of these cases also involve the use of nicotine-based products, according to the news release.

Cases have been reported in 33 counties statewide, according to health officials. In order to protect the identity of the affected individuals, additional information is not being provided, as the investigation is ongoing, and more information will be shared as it becomes available, IDPH said, in the release.

Affected individuals have experienced respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Many have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital.

“IDPH is working closely with local health departments and the CDC to investigate these cases and share information with the public as quickly as possible,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said, in a news release. “These illnesses are serious and concerning and new cases continue to be reported daily. At this time, there is not a single product or substance linked to all cases, so IDPH urges Illinoisans not to vape or use e-cigarettes products, especially illicit THC based products, while we continue to investigate this outbreak.”

54 products and devices have been submitted to the FDA for testing since August, and state health officials have received preliminary results for 17 samples. Initial results from the FDA for Illinois are similar to information previously reported nationwide, with vitamin E acetate found in two of the samples with THC.

IDPH said it is also working with local health departments, other state health departments and the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the names and types of e-cigarettes, vaping products, and devices, as well as where they were obtained.

IDPH advises people who experience any type of chest pain or difficulty breathing after using e-cigarettes or vaping in the weeks or months prior to these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Health care providers caring for patients with unexpected serious respiratory illness should ask about a history of vaping or e-cigarette use, IDPH adds.

• Death Linked To Vaping: IL Patient With Respiratory Illness Dies
• Lake County State's Attorney Testifies On Teen Vaping Epidemic
  
• 8 Teens Had 'Seriously Damaged' Lungs After Vaping: Report

In April, Illinois became the first Midwestern state to ban the purchase of tobacco and tobacco accessories — including vape pens and e-cigarettes — by those under age 21 with the Tobacco 21 bill.

Amid reports of vaping-related illness, Lake County State's Attorney Michael G. Nerheim announced in August that he and his legal partners filed a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul Labs. The suit claims Juul is intentionally pushing teens to become hooked on nicotine-aided e-cigarettes through deceptive marketing campaigns.

Nerheim testified on Sept. 23 in front of state lawmakers about the current teen vaping epidemic.

More information and updates can be found on the IDPH website.