Three lung disease cases in state linked to vaping

The Department of Public Health announced Thursday that three more residents had been hospitalized in Connecticut to be treated for severe lung disease that may have been caused by vapor or ecigarette products.

The cases are part of a larger trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 450 potential cases of vapingrelated illness, including three deaths, across 33 states, according to The Associated Press.

There have been five such cases in Connecticut, all reported in July or August, according to DPH. Each of the patients has since been discharged from the hospital.

“These illnesses are very concerning because the use of ecigarette products is increasing in our state and

nationally, particularly among our youth,” said DPH Commissioner Renée D. ColemanMitchell in the release. “Some people might not be aware of the health risks associated with using these products. Anyone who has used ecigarette products and experiences respiratory issues should seek medical care promptly because illnesses can become more severe without proper treatment.”

According to DPH, the patients “experienced symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.”

“Many patients were hospitalized and required intensive medical treatment. All patients reported using ecigarette or vapor products and many patients reported using products that contain cannabinoid products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol,” also known as THC, DPH officials said in the announcement. “The investigation has not yet identified any single substance or product that is linked to all cases.”

The CDC “recommends that youth, young adults, and pregnant women should not use ecigarette products,” according to the announcement.

For the people who do, the agency “recommends not buying products off of the street, and not modifying or adding any substances to the products.”

Deaths potentially linked to ecigarette or vapor products have been reported in Illinois, Oregon and Indiana, according to the AP.

Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press A man exhales while smoking an ecigarette.

Guillem Sartorio / AFP / Getty Images Vaping enthusiasts blow smoke from electronic cigarettes as they watch a performance on stage during VapeCon in Pretoria on Sept. 1. VapeCon is South Africa’s largest convention dedicated to electronic cigarettes and vaping.