First vaping-related death reported in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — The Indiana State Department of Health has reported the state's first vaping-related death.

The person died "due to severe lung injury linked to a history of e-cigarette use or 'vaping,'" according to health officials.

The death was confirmed on Thursday and the patient was only identified as being over the age of 18.

Indiana is right now investigating 30 cases of severe lung injury linked to vaping, according to ISDH.

"The tragic loss of a Hoosier and rising number of vaping-related injuries are warnings that we cannot ignore," said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. "We know that these products typically contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and many cases report inhaling THC and other substances not available in commercial products. While it is unclear what substances are causing injury, when you use these products with other chemicals, you may not know everything that you’re inhaling and the harm it can cause."

The majority of the Indiana cases have occurred among individuals ages 16 to 29.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 215 cases have been reported, with more under investigation.

Symptoms can include:

Shortness of breath

Cough

Chest pain

Fatigue

Fever

Weight loss

Nausea

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea

Parents and educators who want to learn more about ways to protect Indiana youth from the dangers of vaping are urged to visit vapefreeindiana.isdh.in.gov.