First Connecticut Vaping Death Reported

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut had its first vaping-related death after a patient between ages 30 and 39 died last week at a hospital. The patient was hospitalized for multiple medical conditions, state Department of Public Health Commissioner Renee Coleman-Mitchell said.

“Our prayers go out to the family," Coleman-Mitchell said. "We are working with the CDC along with health departments across the country to find out what the specific causes of these injuries are to educate the public by providing the information needed to mitigate the risk of illness and death.”

Six other Connecticut residents are suspected of becoming ill after using e-cigarette products in the past week. There are now a total of 25 suspected e-cigarette illnesses that have been reported to the health department. One patient remains in the hospital.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he is working with leaders in neighboring states to come up with a response to the growing crisis.

“I cannot stress enough that people should just avoid these products completely, and most especially avoid products that were purchased off the street or have been modified in any way," he said. "Very little is known in the medical community at this time about the long-term effects of vaping."

Massachusetts took the most aggressive step in the country by banning vaping sales for four months in response to the growing number of vaping illnesses. Connecticut State Sen. Saud Anwar, a Democrat who represents the 3rd District, said the state should follow Massachusetts' lead.

There are more than 1,080 vaping-related lung injuries that have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Oct. 3. The CDC has recorded 18 deaths across 15 states, not including Connecticut's latest figures.

Symptoms reported by Connecticut patients include shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weight loss and chest pain.

See also: Victim IDs, New Details Released In Fatal CT Plane Crash

Breakdown by vaping illness by age in Connecticut:

• Under 18 years old: 5 cases
• 18-35: 13 cases
• 35 and older: 7 cases