MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed two more people in the state have died due to complications from severe lung injuries associated with vaping, bringing the death toll to three.

The health department reported Minnesota’s first vaping-related death Sept. 6. The two latest deaths involved people over age 50. Both died in September after complicated hospitalizations.

The patients were hospitalized with difficulty breathing. Investigators determined the first patient vaped a number of products including illegal THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

The second patient had severe underlying conditions and is believed to have vaped unknown products in addition to nicotine, according to a news release.

“We are saddened by the news of these deaths, and we are troubled that so many Minnesotans continue to suffer in this outbreak,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a statement. “We’re working hard with our partners across the country to learn as much as we can about these injuries and deaths, and to determine what can be done to prevent them.”

Malcolm said it is particularly important to avoid vaping anything containing illegal cannabis products, as almost all of those Minnesotans who developed severe lung injuries had a history of frequent vaping of illegal cannabis.

While investigators remain focused on these illegal products as a primary concern, health officials cannot guarantee the safety of any vaping products. People vaping nicotine to help quit smoking should consider alternative options to support their efforts.

People vaping medicine from Minnesota’s medical cannabis program should talk with their health care provider about whether another delivery method might be right for them. People who vape and experience signs of respiratory illness should seek medical care.

To date, Minnesota has 73 patients classified as confirmed or probable cases of severe lung injury associated with vaping. The health department is reviewing an additional 32 people to see if they meet the case criteria. Most of the patients have been hospitalized, with up to half requiring intensive care.

Of those patients who have been interviewed, nearly all reported vaping illegal THC products. Many also reported vaping other products including nicotine, officials said. These findings are similar to those of other states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people reporting severe lung injury in the United States reported vaping products containing THC, particularly those obtained from illegal or black-market sources.

Nearly 1,300 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products have been reported to the CDC from 49 states, Washington, D.C. and one territory. Twenty-six deaths have been confirmed in 21 states, not including the two Minnesota deaths announced Wednesday.

Click Here: cheap all stars rugby jersey

According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield, Minnesota could see additional deaths from vaping injuries in the weeks ahead.

“We hope we do not have any more deaths linked to this investigation,” Lynfield said. “However, based on what we know about other patients, the seriousness of the injuries and the fact that we continue to see new cases, it is possible we will have more deaths.”