The Mississippi Department of Health on Thursday reported the first vaping related death in the state. The death was in an individual under the age of 30.
According to the MSDH:
Mississippi is part of a national investigation into severe pulmonary
disease or lung injury linked to the use of e-cigarette products
(vaping). Nationwide, as of September 19, there have been 530 cases of
lung illness reported from 38 states and one U.S. territory. Seven
deaths have been reported from six states.
“Any death related to vaping is one too many, and this is entirely
preventable,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “We grieve
with the family over this loss, and our hopes are that this helps
emphasize how serious the dangers of vaping can be.”
Byers said that many of the cases in the US report vaping cannabis
products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), some have reported only
vaping nicotine products. However, no specific product such as the
device, liquid, refill pods or cartridge has been clearly identified as
the cause of illness.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
