Second Vape-Related Death Reported In Massachusetts

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA — A second vape-related death has been confirmed in Massachusetts, according to state officials. The Baker administration reported Wednesday a Middlesex County woman in her 40s died from a vape-related illness.

Earlier this month, a Hampshire County woman in her 60s died from a lung injury caused by vaping.

To date, Massachusetts has reported 61 probable and confirmed cases of vape-related pulmonary illness to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. More than 1,600 cases have been reported to the CDC nationwide, and at least 34 people have died as of Oct. 24.

The CDC had data on 19 of the 34 people who died. Eighty-four percent used THC-containing products, 63 percent reported using THC only and 16 percent reported using only nicotine, according to the Boston Globe.

Last week, a judge upheld Gov. Charlie Baker's ban on the retail sale of vaping products, but set deadlines for the administration to amend its order to allow for greater public feedback.