Fifth vaping-related lung illness reported in Washington

A fifth vaping-related lung illness was reported in Washington state, health officials said Friday.

One case was reported in Mason County, two in Spokane County earlier this week, and two in King County, with one reported on Friday.

A woman in her 30s was admitted to a King County hospital with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.

The patient reported vaping THC products bought from legal pot shops and nicotine containing products without THC.

Public Health is working to gather additional information and samples of substances that may have contributed to the woman’s illness.

“This recent case confirms that the risk for lung injury from vaping and e-cigarette use is ongoing in King County,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The specific devices and or substances that are responsible for the lung injury remain unknown and therefore our guidance has not changed: E-cigarettes and vaping are not safe and people should avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping until the cause of this outbreak is known.”

As of September 18, there have been 530 confirmed vaping illness cases nationwide and several deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I would not be surprised if we don’t find a single product or explanation for these illnesses, but multiple possible causes that could lead to lung damage,” Dr. Jeff Duchin added.