BALTIMORE — The Maryland Department of Health is reporting that five people in the last couple of months have developed severe lung illness after using e-cigarettes or vaping.
Department officials say the individuals reported having respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain associated with breathing and cough. They also say they suffered from fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea all causing them to be hospitalized.
“The Maryland Department of Health is taking this issue seriously and is working with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to identify anyone who may be experiencing similar symptoms,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Frances B. Phillips.
Officials are working to identify the actual cause of the illness. They have linked all of the people who were sick to their use of vaping products.
These cases are part of the nearly 200 reported incidents of vaping-related illness in 22 states, resulting in at least one death.
