KUALA LUMPUR, August 26 — A person in Illinois, the United States, has died in hospital from a severe lung disease after using an e-cigarette or vaping, officials said.
CNBC reported that the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last Friday that 193 cases of severe pulmonary disease have been reported between June 28 and August 20 in 22 states among people who use e-cigarettes.
A total of 22 people in Illinois aged between 17 and 38 have reported respiratory illnesses after vaping or using e-cigarettes.
“The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming and we must get the word out that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous,” Illinois Department of Public Health director Ngozi Ezike was quoted saying.
Some of the Illinois cases have reported the presence of THC products and oils in the e-cigarettes used. THC is the psychoactive substance in marijuana that produces a high.
Health officials reportedly said e-cigarette users experienced symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue.