Bethany Bump is reporting for the Times Union state health officials are encouraging people to refrain from using vape products. The advice comes as they continue to investigate the cause of a severe respiratory illness affecting hundreds of vape users nationwide. A second death linked to the illness was reported September 5, in Oregon. No deaths have been reported in New York, but the case count continues to increase. State health officials have received 34 reports of severe respiratory illness in patients since June, up from 25 reported less than a week ago. The patients all used cannabis-containing vape products before falling ill. Officials believe the products, with names like "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts," are counterfeits sold on the black market. Investigators are looking at the presence of vitamin E acetate in the products and the vaping devices being used as potential sources of the problem. New York officials said that vitamin E acetate is not found in any of the state's approved medical marijuana products. State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker urged the public to be vigilant about the vaping products they may be using, and further advised New Yorkers to immediately contact their health care provider if they develop any unusual symptoms. Read the full story in the Times Union.