Mississippi health officials issued a simple warning Tuesday – vaping poses “significant health risks.”

The Mississippi State Department of Health issued a written public alert Tuesday to remind the public of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarette products.

While there have been no cases reported in Mississippi, nationwide there have been 215 possible cases and one death reported –all reporting vaping or use of e-cigarette products before their illness.

Many of the cases have reported vaping cannabis products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD oils, although no single e-cigarette product or device has been consistently identified in all cases.

The symptoms of severe pulmonary disease seen in these cases include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms develop gradually over days to weeks.

“Vaping among youth and young adults is an increasingly common problem in the United States and in Mississippi,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “E-cigarettes contain many harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, and carry significant health risks.”

Some e-cigarette products are used to deliver illicit substances which may be acquired from unknown or unauthorized sources. “Do not buy products off the street containing THC or other cannabinoids. Do not modify or add substances to e-cigarette products that are not intended by the manufacturer,” said Dr. Byers.