Virginia Department of Health officials report the first case of a death tied to the use of electronic cigarettes. It’s the latest death associated with the use of vaping products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 12 deaths, aside from the most recent Virginia case. There have been 805 cases of lung illness nationally.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said, “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
The Virginia resident died in North Carolina from a severe lung injury associated with vaping. Virginia’s Health Department said Tuesday that the death was reported by Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, last Thursday.
The person who died was an adult from the southwest region of Virginia. No other details were released.
The CDC has said it’s not clear exactly what’s causing the illnesses and deaths, but that the latest findings “suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.”
Maryland’s Department of Health reports 20 cases of lung illness and is recommending that people avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping products until the CDC investigation is completed.
According to the CDC, based on data from 771 patients, nearly two-thirds of patients are 18-34 years old.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
