The Maryland Department of Health is currently investigating 29 cases of individuals who have developed severe lung illnesses, with no clear infections, after using e-cigarettes or vaping since October 8.
Patients report that they were using e-cigarettes or vaping in the weeks or months leading up to the onset of symptoms.
The reported respiratory symptoms include: shortness of breath, chest pain, pain while breathing, wheezing, coughing and coughing up blood. Patients have also reported symptoms including: fever, chills, nausea, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea or abdominal pain.
The cause of this cluster of illnesses is not known and has not been definitively linked to any particular device, substance or brand. People who became sick reported using a range of products, including both cannabis-derived products with THC or CBD and nicotine-containing products.
