CDC: 1,299 People Sickened and 26 Died After Using Vaping Devices

On October 11, the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of October 8, 2019, 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping have been reported to the CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with 26 confirmed deaths in 21 states.

Alaska is the only state that has not reported any cases.

This week's data shows an increase compared to last week, when 1,080 cases of lung injury related to vaping were reported from 48 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
Here is the full disclosure from the CDC:

Released at 1:00 PM EDT on October 10, 2019

What We Know

- As of October 8, 2019, 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping have been reported to the CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory, with 26 confirmed deaths in 21 states.

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

- Most patients reported a history of using products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Recent findings from states and regions suggest that products containing THC are playing a role in the outbreak.

- Approximately 70% of patients are male. About 80% of patients are under the age of 35. 15% of patients are under 18 years old. 21% of patients are aged 18 to 20.

What We Don’t Know

- It is currently unclear what specific chemical exposures are causing lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping.

- No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. Products used by patients may contain a variety of ingredients, complex packaging, and supply chains, and may include illegal substances.

- Users may not know what is in their e-cigarettes or vaping liquids, as many products and substances can be modified by suppliers or users. These can be obtained from stores, online retailers, or informal sources (e.g., friends, family).

- More information is needed to understand whether one or more e-cigarettes or vaping products, substances, or brands are responsible.

CDC Recommendations

- During this investigation, the CDC recommends considering avoiding e-cigarettes or vaping products, especially those containing THC.

- If you are an adult using nicotine e-cigarettes to quit smoking, do not start smoking again.

- If you have recently used e-cigarettes or vaping products and have symptoms similar to those in this outbreak, consult a healthcare provider.

- Regardless of the ongoing investigation:

1. Anyone using e-cigarettes or vaping products should not purchase these products from informal sources (e.g., friends, family) or the illegal market (e.g., e-cigarettes or vaping products containing THC or CBD oil) and should not modify or add any substances that manufacturers did not intend to be used in these products.

2. Young people should not use e-cigarettes or vaping products.

3. Pregnant women should not use e-cigarettes or vaping products.

4. Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarettes or vaping products.

5. The use of THC has been associated with various health effects, especially with long-term heavy use. The best way to avoid potential harmful effects is not to use THC, including through e-cigarettes or vaping products. Individuals with cannabis use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment from a healthcare provider.

Key Facts About E-Cigarettes or Vaping

- E-cigarettes (or e-cigs) are also known as vapes, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

- The use of e-cigarette products is commonly referred to as vaping.

- E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to create an aerosol, which the user inhales into their lungs.

- The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinoid (CBD) oil, as well as other substances and additives. THC is the compound that produces psychoactive effects.

Latest Outbreak Information

As of October 8, 2019, the following states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping. #p#分页标题#e#

26 deaths have been confirmed in 21 states: Alabama, California (3), Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas (2), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon (2), Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. More deaths are under investigation.

Among 1,043 patients with age and sex data:

The median age of deceased patients is 49 years, ranging from 17 to 75 years.

70% of patients are male.

The median age of patients is 24 years, ranging from 13 to 75 years.

80% of patients are under the age of 35.

By age category:

15% of patients are under 18 years old;

21% of patients are aged 18 to 20;

18% of patients are aged 21 to 24;

26% of patients are aged 25 to 34;

20% of patients are over 35 years old.

- Recent findings from the investigation into lung injuries associated with e-cigarette or vaping use suggest that products containing THC are playing a role in the outbreak.

- All patients have a history of using e-cigarette products or smoking, and no consistent evidence of infectious causes has been found. Therefore, chemical exposure is suspected as the cause.

- It is currently unclear what specific chemical exposures are causing lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarette products or vaping.

- No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. More information is needed to understand whether a single product, substance, brand, or method of use is responsible.

- Among 573 patients who provided information about e-cigarette or vaping products within three months prior to symptom onset:

Approximately 76% reported using products containing THC; 32% reported using products specifically for THC.

Approximately 58% reported using products containing nicotine; 13% reported using products specifically for nicotine.

- This complex investigation involves many states, hundreds of patients, and a wide variety of substances and e-cigarette (or vaping) products.