MILWAUKEE — Even more teenagers have now been hospitalized with severe lung disease linked to recent vaping, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Friday.
Health officials said they have now received 11 cases of hospitalized teenagers and young adults. That's an increase from the eight cases reported last Thursday.
Seven additional cases are under 'further investigation,' bringing the total number of possible vaping-related hospitalizations to 18.
“We are currently interviewing patients, all of whom reported recent vaping. Our disease investigators continue to gather information about the types of vape products used in hopes of determining a common link,” said Andrea Palm, secretary of the Department of Health Services.
The department reported this Thursday that the eight teens who were originally announced as hospitalized in this case have been diagnosed with severe pulmonary disease.
The patients, who reside in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Winnebago counties, experienced coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue before being admitted to Children's Hospital. Some of the patients also reported fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise, requiring the use of endotracheal intubation.
Other counties with confirmed cases include Door, Racine, Walworth, and Dodge.
The Department of Health is still investigating the exact cause of the illnesses. The name and type of vaping device each teen was using is not known; however, patient interviews are being conducted.
Officials offer several online resources to help with tobacco addiction. For more information, click here.
