State Reports 17 More Vaping-Related Lung Injuries

State health officials have reported 17 more cases of lung injuries associated with vaping to the federal health officials. The Department of Public Health said there are now 46 cases — 16 confirmed and 30 probable — that it has reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of those updated numbers, 27 are female and 19 are male. Twenty-one cases involve people under 30. Forty have been hospitalized, including the Hampshire Country woman in her 60s who was the state's first fatality involving the vaping-related lung injury.

Patients in 19 of the cases reported vaping only THC, 11 only nicotine and 12 both. Fewer than five said they vaped CBD and fewer than five said they did not know the substance.

"According to the latest CDC guidance, because the specific cause or causes of vaping-associated lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that people are not at risk while the investigation continues is to refrain from using all e-cigarette and vaping products," the DPH said.

On Monday, a Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Gov. Charlie Baker's controversial four-month ban on the retail sale of vaping products, but said there needed to be some changes due to poor implementation.