Carson City Health and Human Services, Southern Nevada Health District and Washoe County Health District are warning the public of the potential for severe lung illness associated with the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

The public health authorities are advising people not to use vaping products and e-cigarettes. These products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, and people who do not currently use tobacco products. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 450 potential cases and three deaths associated with severe lung illness. A fourth death was reported in Los Angeles County Friday.

There have been no reported cases in Nevada. The public health authorities will work with health care providers to investigate suspected cases in their respective jurisdictions.

The patients who have been hospitalized have reported experiencing a gradual start of symptoms, including:

Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain)

Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)

Non-specific symptoms (fatigue, fever, or weight loss)

Health officials say no single vaping device, liquid or ingredient has been tied to all the illnesses. Many of the sickened - but not all - were people who had been vaping THC, the chemical that gives marijuana its high.

A week ago, U.S. officials pegged the number at 215 possible cases in 25 states. Health officials have only been counting certain lung illnesses in which the person had vaped within three months. Most are teens.

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