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State health department confirms 3rd vaping-related death in Michigan

Posted at 11:45 AM, Jan 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-10 11:55:09-05

LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the third death related to the outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries in the state.

On Dec. 19, the department was notified about the death of an adult man.

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Right now, no other information about the man has been released due to confidentiality reasons, according to the state department.

The tragic death of yet another Michigan resident is a reminder that this outbreak continues,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family. I urge people not to use THC-containing e-cigarettes or vaping products until the specific cause of these vaping-related severe lung injuries being reported nationwide has been identified. To help with this investigation, we remind health care providers to report patients who may have this condition to their local health department.”

Since August 2019, 65 confirmed and probable vaping-related lung injury cases have been reported in Michigan, including this death.

All cases have been reported in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and most of the individuals have been hospitalized for severe respiratory illness. The age range is 15-67.