COLUMBUS – State and local public health officials are investigating reports of six Ohioans who experienced severe pulmonary illness following use of e-cigarettes, or vaping. The reports follow a recent national alert to healthcare providers by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about pulmonary illnesses linked to vaping in at least 16 states, primarily among adolescents and young adults.

The investigations into Ohio’s six possible cases are just beginning and no additional information is available at this time.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has issued a health alert to healthcare providers asking them to report all suspected cases of serious pulmonary illness where the cause is unclear with a history of vaping to local or state public health officials for investigation. (read more)