Aug. 4, 2019 10a
(WPR)---State health officials are reporting more cases of "severe lung disease" among teens and young adults who use e-cigarettes.
There are 11 confirmed cases, with seven more under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The cases required hospitalizations.
The counties with confirmed cases include Racine, Door, Walworth, Dodge, Waukesha, and Winnebago.
The health department said that all the patients they interviewed reported vaping in the weeks and months prior to being hospitalized after experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, coughing, and weight loss. Officials said the severity of the cases varied and some patients needed assistance breathing.
Some of the patients improved with treatment but officials say they're investigating whether the lung disease will cause long-term damage.
Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm said in a statement that those experiencing breathing problems should see a doctor.
"We are currently interviewing patients, all of whom reported recent vaping. Our disease investigators continue to gather information about the names and types of vape products that were used in hopes of determining a common link," she said in the statement. "We strongly urge people to avoid vaping products and e-cigarettes. Anyone — especially young people who have recently vaped — experiencing unexplained breathing problems should see a doctor."
Officials say investigators are trying to find out what vaping products were used.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2019, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
