Minnesota health officials warn of 11 suspected cases of lung injury associated with vaping
[KSTP-TV]
Friday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced that it has sent alerts to health care providers after it learned of 11 cases of severe lung injuries in the state that are associated with vaping.
The cases occurred in June and July in Minnesotans between the ages of 14 and 46.
MDH said the patients were diagnosed because the symptoms of the injuries can be similar to COVID-19.
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"With this resurgence of cases, we are advising patients with a history of vaping who are experiencing lung-injury symptoms to seek clinical care," said MDH State Epidemiologist and Medical Director Dr. Ruth Lynfield. "In addition, because this can present like COVID-19, providers also need to conduct a test to rule this out."
All 11 cases resulted in hospitalization.
Most of the patients who suffered the lung injuries reported vaping THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
In 2019, there were widespread reports of vaping-related lung injuries both locally and nationally.