Online DeskThe Mississippi Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first vaping related death.
The death was in an individual under the age of 30.
State health officials say this death is one of four vaping related cases that have been reported. The other three patients are between 28 and 33 years old.
“We now know that three of the four confirmed cases indicated a history of THC vaping,” said Liz Sharlot, with the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Mississippi is part of a national investigation into severe pulmonary disease or lung injury linked to the use of e-cigarette products. Nationwide, there have been 530 cases of lung illness reported from 38 states and one U.S. territory. Seven deaths have been reported from six states, health officials said.
“This is a very serious concern, and one that is unfolding every day,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “While we know that many of the cases in the U.S. report vaping cannabis products, such as THC, some have reported only vaping nicotine products. There is still a lot that we don’t know about what is making these people sick. No specific product, such as the device, liquid, refill pods or cartridge, has been clearly identified as the cause.”
Symptoms of severe pulmonary disease include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever and fatigue. Symptoms develop anywhere from over a few days of use to weeks of using e-cigarettes.
