First vaping death from a serious lung disease sparks concern

The Illinois Department of Public Health disclosed late Friday the death of a patient who developed a serious lung disease after vaping. Health officials gave little information about the person — no name, age, hometown, or date of death — but it is believed to be the first fatality from electronic cigarettes, whose popularity has soared among teens and young adults. So far, 193 people in 22 states have contracted severe respiratory illnesses after vaping, the CDC says, noting that none of those cases is linked to infectious disease. Instead, the caustic substances in the inhaled vapor may be at fault. “We will continue to educate all Americans about the serious risks associated with these products,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield tweeted.