Fourth lung illness linked to vaping confirmed in Washington
Sep 20, 2019, 3:02 PM
Vape from an e-cig. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Public Health – Seattle & King County on Friday confirmed another case of severe lung disease associated with vaping.
Outlook good for Portland man almost killed by vaping-related illness
A woman in her 30s is now the fourth person in Washington State to have been confirmed with severe lung disease – the second in King County.
Two additional cases in Spokane County, a patient in their teens and a patient in their 20s, were confirmed earlier this week.
Health officials said the woman was admitted to a King County hospital this month after reporting shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
The woman has been released from the hospital and is recovering, health officials said.
“The patient reported vaping THC products purchased from legal pot shops as well as nicotine containing products without THC,” health officials said in a news release.
Public Health officials are investigating the specific devices and products used.
Concerns over vaping continue to ramp up in King County, statewide
“This recent case confirms that the risk for lung injury from vaping and e-cigarette use is ongoing in King County. Youth, young adults and pregnant women should never use e-cigarettes or vape,” Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, said.
More than 500 cases of lung illness, and eight deaths, linked to vaping have been confirmed nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials advise anyone who needs help to quit vaping to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
