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Wyoming Records First 2 Vaping Illness Cases

Vaping devices sitting next to their product box.
John Adams
/
Montana Free Press
A few examples of vape devices.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming has recorded its first two cases of vaping-related illnesses.

The cases announced Wednesday occurred in Uinta and Park counties around the second week of September. Wyoming Department of Health spokeswoman Kim Deti says both people were hospitalized.

The illnesses are prompting the department and Gov. Mark Gordon to warn people to avoid vaping products containing THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Symptoms of vaping illness include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 1,600 lung injury cases and 34 deaths nationwide.

About 80 percent of cases involve THC use.

Gordon says he has told the department to investigate ways Wyoming can address vaping-associated illness.

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