New Vaping-Linked Lung Injuries Confirmed In King County

SEATTLE, WA — Three additional cases of severe lung disease associated with vaping have been confirmed in King County, raising the county total to five, health officials announced Wednesday. A sixth case is categorized as having a probable link. King County's cases now account for half of the state's total, with one associated illness reported in Mason County, one in Pierce County, two in Snohomish County and two in Spokane County.

The Department of Health says half of Washington's patients are male and the majority of them are teens or young men. Four patients reported using only nicotine vapor products, two used only THC and two others used both. The type of products used in the other four cases are unknown. Updated numbers from the CDC show nearly 1,300 lung injuries associated with vaping reported nationwide and 26 deaths.

According to Public Health, syptoms vary among patients, with some reporting fevers, coughing or abdominal pain. One patient in King County remains hospitalized. Health officials continue to investigate the exact link between vaping and lung injuries. A specific chemical or product has not been identified. In early October, the state Board of Health approved an emergency rule banning the sale of all flavored vape products in Washington for 120 days.