Indiana Health Officials Report Two New Vaping-Related Deaths

Health officials are urging vape users to consider stopping.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is reporting two more Hoosiers have died of severe lung injuries linked to a history of e-cigarette use, or “vaping.” This brings the total number of vaping-related deaths in Indiana to three since Sept. 6.

The deaths occurred in adults and were confirmed today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No additional details about the patients will be provided due to privacy laws.

“These deaths are heartbreaking,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “I urge anyone who is using these products to consider stopping, especially if you are vaping THC.”

Indiana is currently investigating 75 cases of severe lung injury linked to vaping, a total that has doubled in the past month. The majority of the cases have occurred among individuals ages 16-29. 

While most individuals have reported vaping THC, the ingredient found in marijuana, some individuals have reported vaping only nicotine. ISDH continues to work with local and federal partners to gather information and learn more about potential causes of these lung injuries.

Symptoms can include:

• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Fatigue, fever or abdominal pain

Anyone who has used an e-cigarette in the last 90 days who is experiencing these symptoms should stop vaping immediately and visit their healthcare provider.

More information about ISDH’s investigation of vaping-related severe lung injuries is available online at https://www.in.gov/isdh/28337.htm. For the latest on vaping-related injuries nationwide, visit the CDC website at https://bit.ly/2mgcCrw.

Parents and educators who want to learn more about ways to protect Indiana youth from the dangers of vaping are urged to visit vapefreeindiana.isdh.in.gov.

For important health and safety information, visit ISDH at www.StateHealth.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.