Social Services Community Health Services and Contracts Coordinator, Isaac Wolf holds up a bright pink vape while talking about the marketing of dangerous products to youth Thursday afternoon at Lewis County Public Health in Chehalis.
Washington State Department of Health officials have confirmed two new cases of severe pulmonary disease linked to vaping, the DOH announced Monday. The cases were identified by the Spokane Regional Health District and both subjects are currently living in Spokane County.
“The symptoms of these patients match what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have asked all state and local health jurisdictions to be on the lookout for in regards to the nationwide investigation into this matter,” said Washington State Health Officer Kathy Lofy. “This is now a state-wide outbreak.”
The two new patients are in their teens and a patient in their twenties. There are now three confirmed cases in Washington, according to DOH.
All three confirmed cases reported using vaping products prior to becoming sick, but health officials have not identified a common product, device or additive between the patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have launched a multi-state investigation into an outbreak of lung disease associated with vaping products.
“We will continue to update the public on the status of the investigation and steps they can take to protect their health,” Lofy said.
