Montana Teen Identified as State’s First Death Connected to Vaping

The Montana Departments of Public Health & Human Services have identified a youth in his late teens as the first death associated with e-cigarette use.

No further information about the individual is being released at this time due to confidentiality.

“My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family who has lost a loved one way too soon,” Governor Steve Bullock said. “This tragedy truly hits home. I urge Montanans to take the recommendations being issued by public health officials very seriously until more is known about this public health crisis.”

DPHHS continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local public health as this ongoing national investigation continues.

So far In Montana, there have been three identified cases of vaping-associated pulmonary illness, including one death. The Center for Disease Control  reported 26 deaths in 21 states last week.

Last week Governor Bullock directed DPHHS to enact emergency rules to temporarily ban flavored e-cigarette products. The ban will go into effect October 22.