Tennessee officials have reported the state’s first death from a vaping-related respiratory illness.
The state Department of Health’s announcement Thursday comes amid a national outbreak of vaping-related illnesses, including 53 cases reported in Tennessee.
Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey recommended that Tennesseans consider stopping e-cigarette use and vaping while Tennessee’s vaping-related illnesses are investigated.
U.S. health officials have reported about 1,300 vaping-related illnesses and at least 26 deaths nationwide.
Last week, the Tennessee Medical Association and other health care organizations urged Governor Bill Lee to issue an emergency temporary measure to restrict Tennessee youth from obtaining vaping products. They also urged lawmakers to pass a permanent solution.
Lee said last week there’s not much data available, so officials will look deeper before making a decision about a possible ban.
