A third death is under investigation for ties to vaping as government scientists are still trying to get to the bottom of what is causing the illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed Friday.
Public health officials have been warning the public about an illness that appears to be linked to vaping marijuana, nicotine — or a combination of both — after 215 people have have become ill and two have died, one in Illinois and another in Oregon. The third case under investigation occurred in Indiana.
As many as 450 more people are under investigation for similar problems, including vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Officials have warned people not to use e-cigarettes at all as the investigation continues.
One study found a chemical derived from vitamin E in the different samples that were tested, but scientists are still analyzing samples in labs before they make a final determination. Vitamin E is typically harmless when used on the skin or taken as a vitamin, but could be harmful to people who inhale it.
“Identifying any compounds present in the samples will be one piece of the puzzle but won’t necessarily answer questions about causality, which makes our ongoing work critical,” Dr. Ned Sharpless, acting administrator for the Food and Drug Administration, said in a statement.
The illness could be caused by flavors used in e-cigarettes or other compounds, or a mix of several ingredients. The CDC has been investigating the illnesses since Aug. 1, and it has been a laborsome process as scientists work to eliminate other causes and see whether those complaining of similar symptoms also were vaping or are struggling from another sickness.
So far otherwise young, healthy people have suffered the illness. Most have been men and have been sick for a few days before heading to the hospital. One jurisdiction and 33 states have been affected.
The latest investigation could alter regulatory plans for e-cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration has been cracking down on teens using e-cigarettes, but has also tried to leave the door open to adults being able to use e-cigarettes as a way to eventually quit regular cigarettes. So far one state, Michigan, has banned flavored e-cigarettes from being sold.