Cases of Lung Disease Linked to Vaping Continue to Rise in WI and U.S.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports there
are now 76 confirmed and probable cases of severe lung disease among people who
reported vaping or using e-cigarettes. The latest numbers, which were released
last Thursday, include 14 additional patients that are under investigation. Lung
disease cases have been reported in 28 of the state’s 72 counties, including
Fond du Lac, Dodge, Winnebago, Washington and Sheboygan Counties. No deaths have
been reported in Wisconsin.

On a national level, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention report that over 1,400 lung disease cases have been reported in
every state but Alaska – in addition to the District of Columbia and 1 U.S. Territory.
The CDC says 33 deaths have been reported in 24 states. Reports say THC is
present in most of the samples tested by the FDA to date, and most patients
report a history of using products containing THC. The findings also suggest
those products containing THC have been purchased off the street or from
friends, family members or illicit dealers – those are believed to play a major
role in the outbreak.