LAFAYETTE, Ind.–Vaping illness Has killed two more people in Indiana. The Indiana State Dept. Of Health confirmed the deaths, but did not offer any information on the people who died, citing privacy concerns.
A spokesperson for IU Health Arnett Hospital in Tippecanoe County announced Thursday, that a person there died from the illness.
The state health department said 75 Hoosiers were being treated for the illness.
“These deaths are heartbreaking,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “I urge anyone who is using these products to consider stopping, especially if you are vaping THC.”
The majority of the cases have occurred among individuals ages 16-29.
While most individuals have reported vaping THC, the ingredient found in marijuana, some individuals have reported vaping only nicotine. ISDH continues to work with local and federal partners to gather information and learn more about potential causes of these lung injuries, said a news release from the department.
An update from the CDC said 26 people have died, in 21 states. The agency also said 1,299 people have been confirmed to have the illness, in 49 states.
Other points from the CDC update:
- All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
- Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
- Approximately 70{46ff1f14221e6e90aab6104ff16614ca22b12c1f029f774ee196565ca96b3af3} of patients are male.
- Approximately 80{46ff1f14221e6e90aab6104ff16614ca22b12c1f029f774ee196565ca96b3af3} of patients are under 35 years old.
- 15{46ff1f14221e6e90aab6104ff16614ca22b12c1f029f774ee196565ca96b3af3} of patients are under 18 years old
- 21{46ff1f14221e6e90aab6104ff16614ca22b12c1f029f774ee196565ca96b3af3} of patients are 18 to 20 years old
PHOTO: Mauro Grigollo/Thinkstock
