3 Texas teens hospitalized for vape-related lung illnesses as national death toll grows to 5

Houston health officials say three teenagers have been hospitalized with serious lung illnesses following electronic cigarette use and vaping.

The Houston Health Department announced Tuesday the hospitalizations took place within the past month.

Dr. David Persse, who is health authority for the Houston Health Department and EMS medical director, says all three teenagers are doing well and improving.

Two of the teenagers are no longer hospitalized.

Persse declined to provide additional information about the three due to privacy laws.

Health officials in Dallas County on Tuesday reported they had identified 14 probable or confirmed cases of severe respiratory illness related to e-cigarettes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified over 450 possible cases in 33 states of lung disease related to vaping, including as many as five deaths.

AP Only 2019