2 Cases Of Vaping-Related Lung Illness Reported In Rhode Island

Two Rhode Island cases have been added to the national list of vaping-related illnesses. On Thursday, the Rhode Island Department of Health said that both patients were hospitalized and are recovering.

The two cases were not linked, the department said. The first person is between the ages of 18 to 24, while the second is between the ages of 25 and 35. Both people were in the hospital for about a week in early September and were discharged. Vaping products used by both patients have been sent to the state's health laboratory for testing.

"While we do not yet know what exactly is causing people to become ill across the country, we do know that these lung injuries are serious, and in some instances even fatal," said Nicole Alexander-Scott, RIDOH's director of heath. "E-cigarettes are addictive and dangerous. Children, adolescents, and pregnant women should never vape, and any adult who vapes should strongly consider not doing so until we know more. There are safe, effective resources in Rhode Island to help people quit using e-cigarettes. Help is available today at no cost."

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention are categorizing lung illnesses in each state as "confirmed and probable cases" since the exact chemicals that are associated with the health issues have not been identified. Both of Rhode Island's cases fall within that category.

On Sept. 25, Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products in the state.

"This is something I've been worried about for some time now," Raimondo said at the time. "As governor, I hear from parents and teachers and coaches that the use of flavored e-cigarettes among teenagers and middle school students is alarming and rising and scary."

As of Wednesday, the CDC reported 805 cases of vaping-related lung illnesses across 46 states and one U.S. territory, not counting the latest in Rhode Island. In August, the agency launched a joint investigation with the FDA into the illnesses. To date, 12 people have died in 10 states. All patients had a history of vaping.

The latest findings from the investigation found that products with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC a chemical component of cannabis, is believed to have a part in the outbreak of illnesses.

Many of the patients who report symptoms experience respiratory issues including a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain. Some people also report other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever or weight loss.