Ind. State Health Dept. Asks Hospitals To Report Possible Vaping-Related Illness

Health departments in other states report severe respiratory illnesses in adolescents who vape.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Reported vaping-related illness in Illinois and Wisconsin has prompted action by the Indiana State Department of Health.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently recorded nearly a dozen cases where adolescents who reported vaping developed severe respiratory illnesses. The Illinois Department of Health is now investigating three similar cases in which the patients had shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. Some became so ill they needed mechanical ventilation.

Although there have been no reported cases here, the Indiana State Department of Health has sent an advisory to Indiana hospitals and other medical providers to report any young patients with a history of vaping who unexpectedly develop severe respiratory illnesses.

Officials said it’s not currently known what specific products or chemicals may be linked to the illnesses.