TULSA — According to Oklahoma State Department of Health officials, the first case of serious lung injuries related to e-cigarettes and vaping has been confirmed in the state of Oklahoma.
Officials say the patient is a resident in Tulsa County and under the age of 18.
State health officials started to investigate in September when an advisory was issued requesting health care providers to report cases with severe pulmonary disease with an unknown origin and history of e-cigarette use.
“We are committed to working with our state and federal partners to learn everything we can about this investigation in order to prevent further injury and potential death,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “E-cigarettes are unregulated, and of great concern is the significant number of young people using the products. The public is advised to consider refraining from using all e-cigarette and vaping products while the investigation is ongoing.”
Officials say that patients involved in the nationwide investigation reported having symptoms of prolonged cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain.
People who have a history of using e-cigarettes or vaping in the last 90 days, and have any of these symptoms, should contact a health care provider, officials say.
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