Vaping Illnesses Now 'Statewide Outbreak' In Wash., Say Officials

SPOKANE, WA — Now three Washington residents have been sickened with vaping-related lung illness, say state health officials. The first case in Washington was confirmed last week after a King County teen was hospitalized in August.

The two newest cases are in young people — one a teenager — from Spokane County. State health officials did not say what type of vaping products the victims used, just that they had a "history of using vaping products."

"This is now a state-wide outbreak," state Health Officer Katie Lofy said in a statement Monday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there had been at least 380 cases of vaping-related lung illnesses across 36 states as of Sept. 11. Six people have died in the multi-state outbreak, according to the CDC.

Health officials from King County and the state Department of Health said on Sept. 11 that a King County teenager was hospitalized in August with trouble breathing and a fever. He recovered, and health officials believe the teen's E-cigarette use caused the sudden sickness.

State health officials are asking Washington residents who vape to watch for symptoms like a sudden cough, pain, and shortness of breath. The vape products associated with the illnesses range from THC devices to hookahs and nicotine pens like Juul.