CDC: US Vaping Cases Rise to 1,888, with 37 Deaths

On January 1, according to the CDC's official update on October 31, 2019, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, there are currently 1,888 cases related to electronic vaping, with 37 deaths reported across 24 states.

This is an increase compared to last week, when there were 1,604 cases of vaping-related lung injuries.
 
As of October 29, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,888 cases of lung injuries associated with e-cigarettes or vaping products (EVALI) from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory.

There have been 37 confirmed deaths across 24 states as of October 29, 2019. 

All EVALI patients have reported a history of using e-cigarettes or vaping products.

So far, most samples tested by the FDA have contained THC, and most patients have reported a history of using THC-containing products.

Latest findings from national and state investigations indicate that products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, especially those obtained from street or other informal sources (e.g., friends, family, illegal dealers), are associated with most cases and play a major role in the outbreak.

Currently, the FDA and CDC have not determined the cause of lung injuries in these cases; the only commonality among all cases is that patients reported using e-cigarettes or vaping products.

So far, no single compound or ingredient has been identified as causing these illnesses. It is possible that multiple factors are contributing to this outbreak. Many different substances and product sources are still under investigation.

The 37 deaths across 24 states and the District of Columbia include: Alabama, California (3), Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia (3), Illinois (2), Indiana (3), Kansas (2), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota (3), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon (2), Pennsylvania, Tennessee (2), Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

The median age of the deceased is 53 years, ranging from 17 to 75 years. (As of October 29, 2019).

Among 1,378 patients with gender data (as of October 15, 2019): 70% of patients are male.

Among 1,364 patients with age data (as of October 15, 2019): the median age of patients is 24 years, with an age range of 13 to 75 years. 79% of patients are under 35 years old.

Among 867 patients, information about the substances used in e-cigarettes or vaping products within three months prior to symptom onset (as of October 15, 2019):

Approximately 86% reported using products containing tetrahydrocannabinol; 34% reported exclusively using THC-containing products.

Approximately 64% reported using nicotine-containing products; 11% reported exclusively using nicotine-containing products.