State health officials link severe respiratory illnesses to vaping

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health departments are urging clinicians to be on alert for signs of severe respiratory illness among individuals who report vaping or e-cigarette use.

OHA is aware of a cluster of respiratory illness primarily among teenagers and young adults in 16 states. These people have been hospitalized after experiencing worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and chest pain. No deaths have been reported. The cause has yet to be identified, but all cases have reported e-cigarette use or vaping. OHA knows of no cases in Oregon.