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Utah’s vaping-related lung illnesses up to 47, most from THC

(Rick Bowmer | AP file photo)A man exhales vapor as he demonstrates the use of his electronic cigarette in Salt Lake City. Utah health officials say they have confirmed 47 cases of lung damage linked to vaping and are investigating 22 more potential cases.

Utah health officials say the state’s tally of lung damage cases linked to vaping has increased to 47.

The state Department of Health announced the new total Monday, an increase from the 42 cases reported a week earlier. The agency says 22 more potential cases are being investigated.

The department says 90% of the people who got sick reported vaping THC, the high-producing ingredient in marijuana.

Symptoms of the disease include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Nearly all the people have had to get medical care.

U.S. health officials said last week that more than 500 people have been diagnosed with vaping-related breathing illnesses. The cause remains unknown, though most patients reported vaping THC.