Utah’s vaping illness count hits 98 as tally keeps rising
(Keith Srakocic | AP file photo) In this Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 photo, a woman loads liquid into her vaping device in Harmony, Pa. U.S. government health officials have identified nearly 1,500 cases and at least 33 deaths in the nationwide outbreak of vaping-related illnesses.
Utah health officials say the number of cases of lung damage linked to vaping is up to 98, with 15 more potential cases being investigated.
The new tally announced Monday by the state Department of Health is a rise from 83 cases reported last week. Most patients are in their 20s or 30s, and most of the people who have become sick are men.
So far, one person has died from vaping in Utah. Health officials say the person died from a vaping-related injury and had recently vaped THC before they died.
Officials said unregulated vaping products containing marijuana's high-inducing ingredient, THC, are likely driving the outbreak.
U.S. government health officials have identified nearly 1,500 cases and at least 33 deaths in the nationwide outbreak.
sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.
Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.
You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.