First vaping-linked death may have been reported in US

At least 193 people in 22 states have contracted severe respiratory illnesses after vaping: US health officials

The health officials in the United States have reported what appears to be the country's first vape-related death, reported The Guardian. 

According to the official, an adult patient in the state of Illinois contracted a serious lung disease after vaping. He died soon after, making it the first death in the US linked to e-cigarettes.

Chief Medical Officer at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Dr Jennifer Layden said the department received the report of the death on Thursday.

At least 193 people in 22 states have contracted severe respiratory illnesses after vaping, officials with the US  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have claimed. The cases, however, were termed "potential" and were an investigation because no clear common cause for the illness has been identified yet.

“Investigators haven’t identified any specific product or compound that is linked to all of the cases," said CDC official Ileana Arias. She added that patients may have different illnesses with similar symptoms.

According to medical professionals, the illnesses resemble an inhalation injury with the lungs apparently reacting to a caustic substance.

“The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming and we must get the word out that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous," said Dr Ngozi Ezike, the IDPH director.