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Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control says there are currently at least 127 people in 15 states suffering from lung damage and difficulty breathing, linked to vaping.
The only thing linking the cases, including the two Connecitcut cases, is that the patients all reported using vaping products that contained either nicotine or THC.
“Vaping for both nicotine and marijuana-related products is on the rise in our state and nationally – especially among young people – so these cases are a real public health concern,” said state Department of Public Health Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell.
The department is asking all medical providers or family members of patients who vape to pay close attention or be aware of breathing issues and severe lung injury related to vaping and e-cigarette usage.
People with a history of vaping who are experiencing breathing issues should seek medical attention or contact their provider as respiratory conditions can continue to decline without proper treatment, the department said.
The U.S. Surgeon General has called teen e-cigarette use an epidemic. According to the CDC since 2014 e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among both middle and high school students.
Over half of high school youth who vape report using their devices for other products including marijuana and THC.
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