Number of Illnesses Linked to Vaping Continues to Rise in WI; Eight Deaths Reported Nationwide

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an
eighth person has died from a vaping-related lung illness. The Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services reported the death Thursday afternoon –
after a man in his mid-40s died this week in St. Louis. Officials there said
the man had normal lung function before he started vaping in the spring. The
CDC says seven other patients have died from similar illnesses: two in California
and one each in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Oregon. Several of the
victims also had underlying health conditions.

In Wisconsin, updated numbers from the state Department of
Health Services say 48 cases of severe lung disease linked to vaping have been
reported, with another 13 patients whose cases need further investigation.
Cases have been confirmed in 21 counties in Wisconsin, including nearby Dodge,
Sheboygan, Washington and Winnebago Counties. No cases have been reported in
Fond du Lac County as of Thursday. No deaths have been reported in the state as
a result of the illnesses. Health officials continue to urge people to stop
vaping while the investigation into what is causing the illnesses continues.