NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Health officials have reported Tennessee’s first death from a vaping-related respiratory illness.

Nashville health officials on Thursday confirmed the adult male’s death amid a national outbreak of vaping-related illnesses, including 53 cases reported in Tennessee.

State Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey recommended that Tennesseans consider stopping e-cigarette use and vaping while Tennessee’s vaping-related illnesses are investigated.

U.S. health officials have reported about 1,300 vaping-related illnesses and at least 26 deaths nationwide.

Last week, the Tennessee Medical Association and other health care organizations urged Gov. Bill Lee to issue an emergency temporary measure to restrict Tennessee youth from obtaining vaping products. They also urged lawmakers to pass a permanent solution.

Lee said last week there’s not much data available, so officials will look deeper before making a decision about a possible ban.

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