(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are investigating six cases of e-cigarette/vaping-associated respiratory illnesses.
All six cases were diagnosed in the last 60 days.
MDHHS says e-cigarette and/or vaping users should immediately seek medical attention if they feel symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever and/or nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may start after using the device for a long time.
“The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming and we want Michiganders to be aware using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous,” said Sarah Lyon-Callo, MDHHS state epidemiologist, in a news release. “E-cigarettes/vaping products can contain harmful chemicals that can result in damage to a user’s lungs, heart or other body systems.”
All cases were reported in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and most of the individuals have been hospitalized for severe respiratory illness. The age range of the cases is 19-39. As of Aug. 23, MDHHS says 203 possible cases of severe respiratory disease associated with e-cigarette use being reported in 23 states.
MDHHS says it has not identified a specific brand or device that is causing these illnesses.
