Dallas County hospitals have reported nine cases of probable or confirmed severe lung disease associated with e-cigarette use. Most of the cases involve young adults — the median age is 19 years old.
Dallas County health officials say medical professionals should immediately report cases of severe lung illness that have unclear causes. They should also report the patients' use of e-cigarettes over the past few months.
The county's advisory follows an alert issued last month by state health officials, who say they're seeing cases of lung disease in Texas adolescents.
Nationally, officials say the number of possible cases of severe breathing illnesses from e-cigarettes or vaping has more than doubled — to 450. That includes as many as five deaths across the country. No deaths have been reported in Texas.
Federal health officials warn against using e-cigarettes or vaping products.
People who do use e-cigarettes should watch for symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and vomiting.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
