KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas man's death has been linked to vaping, making it the second vaping-related death reported in the state, officials announced Monday.
The resident, a man over the age of 50, had underlying health conditions, according to the governor’s office.
“Today, I am saddened to announce the death of a second Kansan in association with this outbreak,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a news release. “…We are coordinating a response to combat this epidemic, so that families can avoid such tragic outcomes.”
Earlier this month, health officials said a Kansas woman’s death was connected to vaping. She also had underlying health issues.
According to the governor’s office, nine people in Kansas have been hospitalized for probable or confirmed vaping-related illnesses, including the two people who died. Five of the people are male and four are female. They range in age from 17 to 67 years old. Two of the people remain hospitalized.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 530 cases of lung injuries associated with vaping in 38 states and one U.S. territory. Seven deaths have been confirmed in six states, according to the CDC.
Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, is scheduled to testify before a congressional committee on Wednesday about the effects of e-cigarettes.
“E-cigarettes are unregulated, which means that we don’t know what’s in them,” Norman said. “And, of great concern to me, is that in the midst of all these illnesses being reported, the amount of young people using them is significant.”
