COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Health officials say they’re investigating reports of six Ohioans who vape who experienced breathing illnesses.

The Ohio Department of Health on Friday asked healthcare providers to report all suspected cases of serious pulmonary illness where the cause is unclear and the patients have a history of vaping, or using e-cigarettes.

Dr. Amy Acton is the director of the state Health Department. She says such reports of illnesses contradict the widespread notion that vaping is safe.

Symptoms experienced by patients have included coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue and in some cases required hospitalization.

Earlier this week, federal health officials said they are looking into more than 150 possible cases in 16 states.

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