GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – New Cases have been Identified in the Investigation of Lung Disease Among Teens and Young Adults Who Reported Vaping
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has received 11 cases of teenagers and young adults hospitalized with severe lung disease that has been linked to recent vaping.
“These are normally healthy young adults and teenagers who are suddenly going into respiratory distress.”
Tom Haupt with the Wisconsin DHS says at least one case has been confirmed in Door and Winnebago Counties.
He says in all cases, they all vaped up to becoming ill and they are currently investigating to learn if it is an individual product based or a side-effect of vaping in general.
“If it is some kind of a bad product, get it off the streets and try to prevent more people from becoming ill.”
Haupt says these patients experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, cough, and weight loss, and is considered quite serious.
“In some cases, they are requiring intensive care and some of them have been on ventilators.”
Haupt says is not designed as an attack on the vaping industry.
One concern that is being looked into is where teens and those underage are getting their vaping supplies.
He says buying online or from someone supplying could be dangerous if you do not know exactly what you are buying and inhaling.
This is an ongoing investigation and DHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health care providers and is coordinating with other states to make them aware of the situation so they are prepared if they have reports of similar cases.
