A woman takes a puff from a cannabis vape pen Dec. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. California health officials were urging consumers to stop vaping of any kind until investigators determined why hundreds of people nationwide have been sickened after using the devices. The mysterious lung illness has also spread to Washington state. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

A woman takes a puff from a cannabis vape pen Dec. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. California health officials were urging consumers to stop vaping of any kind until investigators determined why hundreds of people nationwide have been sickened after using the devices. The mysterious lung illness has also spread to Washington state. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Second case of vaping-related lung injury reported in county

Woman, in her 40s, used flavored nicotine and THC vape products. Nationwide toll is 1,300 cases.

EVERETT — A Snohomish County woman in her 40s was hospitalized last week because of a vaping-related lung injury, the second confirmed case in the county.

The woman reportedly vaped both flavored nicotine and THC products, purchased legally, according to Snohomish Health District.

On Oct. 9, the Washington State Board of Health approved a 120-day emergency ban on the sales of flavored vaping products delivering nicotine and THC. Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order Sept. 27 asking the state health board to issue the emergency rule.

The first vaping-related illness confirmed in Snohomish County was a woman in her 20s in late September.

There have been 12 vaping-associated injuries reported in Washington, and about 1,300 cases across the country. Of these, 26 people have died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Other states have taken action to stop or limit the sale of flavored vape products, which especially appeal to teens and young adults.

The Snohomish County 2018 Healthy Youth Survey showed that nearly half of high school seniors have tried an e-cigarette or vape pen at some point, and nearly a third of them currently use one. Only about a third of seniors said they believe regular vaping is harmful, the survey said.

The state earlier this year raised the legal age for buying tobacco and vapor products to 21 starting Jan. 1, 2020.

About 4,000 stores statewide sell nicotine vaping products. There are about 480 marijuana retailers licensed to sell vaping products with THC.

Dr. Chris Spitters, interim health officer for the Snohomish Health District, urges people who vape to quit.

“And those who don’t vape shouldn’t start,” Spitters said in a news release. “There are serious health concerns with using e-cigarettes or vapor devices, regardless of what product or substance you use. Although we do not know what is causing these lung injuries, we do know that the ingredients in vaping products are not regulated by the FDA, their long-term health effects are uncertain, and this national outbreak certainly points toward potentially serious and even fatal consequences for many users.”

People who use vapor or THC products should seek medical attention for coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, nausea or fatigue.

Those who need help to stop smoking or vaping should call their doctor or call the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for access to safe and proven methods.

Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter @reporterbrown.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

Traffic moves across the US 2 trestle between Everett and Lake Stevens on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote

The U.S. Senate revoked waivers allowing Washington to mandate strict vehicle emission standards

The Everett City Council on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett City Council approves apprenticeship ordinance

The new ordinance builds upon state law, requiring many city public works contracts to use at least 15% apprentice labor.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Stanwood in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Stanwood nears completion of deployable floodwall

The new floodwall will provide quick protection to the downtown area during flood conditions.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar for May 22

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Members of Washington State patrol salute the casket of slain trooper Chris Gadd during a memorial cremony on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Opening statements begin in trial of man charged in crash of WSP trooper

Deputy prosecutor described to jurors what began as a routine patrol for Christopher Gadd — “until it wasn’t.”

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.