USA: Outbreak of Lung Illness Associated with Using E-cigarette Products - 2,668 hospitalized cases, 60 fatalities

[Emily]

This is extremely important. Washington Post is listed as the source but unfortunately I don't see it published there. The research shows that no vitamin E, flavorings or even nicotine or THC are needed to destroy lungs - just the pure carrier liquids in vapor form. They weaponize the body's own molecules..

https://www.brainerddispatch.com/bus...sed-or-ignored Healthcare Early signs of vaping health risks were missed or ignored

Doctors and researchers scattered around the globe saw problems, but "nobody put two and two together."
Written By: Washington Post | Sep 25th 2019 - 11am.

...

"In Houston, students of Farrah Kheradmand, a physician researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, had gone to a nearby vape shop in 2016 and asked for the most popular mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. They then tested it in mice for four months with and without nicotine. They used no flavorings. In summer 2017, one of her graduate students came to her with an unexpected finding. Key immune cells in their mice appeared highly abnormal - jammed with fat in the same way that the Portland doctors saw in their patient. "I won't forget it," Kheradmand recalls. "In 15 years of doing this, I had never seen anything like this."
In a study published this month, the Baylor researchers showed that the fat deposits were coming from inside the lungs. Kheradmand suspects that vape solvents disrupt the ability of cells to recycle lung surfactant, an oil-protein substance that is required to keep the air sacs open."

[Ronan Kelly]

Looks like the article originated here: https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/a...sed-or-ignored

[Ronan Kelly]

US vaping illness count jumps to 805, deaths rise to 13
Sep 27, 2019 9:42 AM EDT Associated Press

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) Vaping devices

NEW YORK (AP) ? Hundreds more Americans have been reported to have a vaping-related breathing illness, and the death toll has risen to 13, health officials said Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 805 confirmed and probable cases have been reported, up 52% from the 530 reported a week ago. At this point, illnesses have occurred in almost every state.

The confirmed deaths include two in California, two in Kansas, two in Oregon and one each in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri. The Mississippi death was announced by officials in that state Thursday and the second Oregon death was revealed by authorities later in the day.
...

https://www.abccolumbia.com/2019/09/27/us-vaping-illness-count-jumps-to-805-deaths-rise-to-13/

[Ronan Kelly]

Indiana father says daughter?s death linked to vaping
NATIONAL
by: CNN Newsource

Posted: Sep 27, 2019 / 05:26 PM PDT / Updated: Sep 27, 2019 / 05:26 PM PDT

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (CNN) ? Indiana health officials confirmed the state?s first vaping related death earlier this month.

Now, a father says it was his 32-year-old daughter and is sharing her story.

It?s a smile family can now only see in a picture.

Everything seemed good with Megan Eagle and then one day, it wasn?t.

?It truly is a parent?s worst nightmare, and it is a nightmare I even occasionally have, seen her death,? said the woman?s father, Steve Dillon.
...

https://www.kron4.com/news/national/indiana-father-says-daughters-death-linked-to-vaping/

[Ronan Kelly]

14th vaping-related death in US reported in Nebraska
By Michael Nedelman, CNN

(CNN)Nebraska health officials on Monday announced the state's first death due to severe lung disease linked to vaping, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed deaths to 14.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said the death occurred in May -- before the outbreak was officially recognized this summer.

Before then, "vaping-associated lung injuries were unreported and not tracked by public health agencies," state epidemiologist Dr. Tom Safranek said in a statement. "Once the problem was recognized, states quickly ramped up surveillance and found current cases, but have also discovered cases that occurred before the August outbreak."
The decedent, who was over age 65, was lived in Douglas County, Nebraska.
...

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/30/health/nebraska-vaping-lung-death/index.html

Dept. of Health confirms 1st death from vaping-related lung injury in Virginia

By WHSV newsroom ; Georgia Geen, Capital News Service | Posted: Tue 3:25 PM, Oct 01, 2019 | Updated: Tue 3:34 PM, Oct 01, 2019

RICHMOND, Va. (WHSV/CNS) — Officials have confirmed the first death of a Virginian to the recent spree of lung illnesses connected to vaping.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, they confirmed on Oct. 1 that a Virginia resident has died for the first time in the outbreak of lung injuries (officials say injury is a better way than illness to describe what happens to the lungs in these cases). The death was reported by Cone Health in Greensboro, N.C. on September 26, 2019.

“I am deeply saddened to announce the first death of a Virginia resident related to this outbreak. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA.
...

https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Dept-of-Health-confirms-1st-death-from-vaping-related-lung-injury-in-Virginia-561894491.html

[Ronan Kelly]

New Jersey reports first death linked to vaping
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
OCTOBER 01, 2019 01:25 PM, UPDATED OCTOBER 01, 2019 01:26 PM
TRENTON, N.J.
New Jersey health officials say the state has had its first death tied to vaping.

The Health Department said in a statement Tuesday that a woman from northern New Jersey died in August. Her identity and details surrounding her death were not released.
...

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/business/health-care/article235684637.html

[Ronan Kelly]

First vaping-related death confirmed in Alabama
WVTMUpdated: 9:55 AM CDT Oct 2, 2019
Linda Grantin

MONTGOMERY, Ala. —
The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed a man in East Alabama is the state's first death associated with vaping.
...
As of October 1, there were 19 Alabama residents under investigation. Of the 19 reports, 4 cases have been identified and 9 other reports are still under investigation in Alabama; 3 have been identified as probable cases; 1 confirmed case, of lung disease associated with vaping.
...

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/sherman-the-rescue-donkey-shares-his-owner-s-passion-for-running/29332052

[Ronan Kelly]

DPH Announces Delaware’s First Death Associated with Multi-State Outbreak of Vaping-Related Lung Illnesses
News | Date Posted: Thursday, October 3, 2019

DOVER – Today the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) hosted a media call to provide an update on its participation in a multi-state investigation into an outbreak of severe pulmonary disease reported across the country. As of September 27, 2019, 46 states, including Delaware, have reported 805 cases of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette products (e.g., devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges).

Currently in Delaware, there are 11 cases of vaping-related lung injury that meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition as either probable or confirmed. Additionally, DPH announced today that one of the cases associated with this outbreak involves an individual who died.

“The Division of Public Health is saddened to announce the first death in Delaware associated with this outbreak,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family. This death is a harsh reminder that these illnesses are serious and life-threatening. We continue to recommend that individuals consider refraining from vaping or using e-cigarette products. At this time, no vaping is safe.”
...

https://news.delaware.gov/2019/10/03/dph-announces-delawares-first-death-associated-with-multi-state-outbreak-of-vaping-related-lung-illnesses/

[Emily]

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/02/health/vaping-illnesses.html

Lung Damage From Vaping Resembles Chemical Burns, Report Says

By Denise Grady

Published Oct. 2, 2019Updated Oct. 3, 2019
“All 17 of our cases show a pattern of injury in the lung that looks like a toxic chemical exposure, a toxic chemical fume exposure, or a chemical burn injury,” said Dr. Brandon T. Larsen, a surgical pathologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. “To be honest, they look like the kind of change you would expect to see in an unfortunate worker in an industrial accident where a big barrel of toxic chemicals spills, and that person is exposed to toxic fumes and there is a chemical burn in the airways.”

The injuries also look like those seen in people exposed to poisons like mustard gas, a chemical weapon used in World War I, he said.

[Ronan Kelly]

Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping

Espa?ol (Spanish)

Related Pages

• For the Public: What You Need to Know
• For Healthcare Providers
• For State and Local Health Departments

Posted October 3, 2019 at 4:00pm ET

CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

If you have questions about CDC’s investigation into the lung injuries associated with use of electronic cigarette, or vaping, products, contact CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636.


What we know

• As of October 1, 2019, 1,080* lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory.
• Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states.
• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• Approximately 70% of patients are male.
• Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
  • 16% of patients are under 18 years old
  • 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old

On This Page

• What we know
• What we don’t know
• What CDC recommends
• Key Facts about E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
• Latest Outbreak Information
• What CDC is Doing
• Map of Reported Cases
• Epi Chart of Reported Cases

device icon
Digital Press Kit
For the Public: What You Need to Know

For Healthcare Providers

For State and Local Health Departments


What we don’t know

• The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time.
• No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases.
  • The outbreak is occurring in the context of a dynamic marketplace for e-cigarette, or vaping, products, which may have a mix of ingredients, complex packaging and supply chains, and include potentially illicit substances.
  • Users may not know what is in their e-cigarette or e-liquid solutions. Many of the products and substances can be modified by suppliers or users. They can be obtained from stores, online retailers, from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members), or “off the street.”
• More information is needed to know whether one or more e-cigarette or vaping products, substances, or brands is responsible for the outbreak.

Top of Page

What CDC recommends

• While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC.
• If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes.
• If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak, see a healthcare provider.
• Regardless of the ongoing investigation:
  • Anyone who uses e-cigarette, or vaping, products should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members) or “off the street,” and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
  • Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, prod?ucts.
  • Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider.

Top of Page

Key Facts about E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping

• Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
• E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
• The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high”.

Top of Page

Latest Outbreak Information

Updated every Thursday

• As of October 1, 2019, 1,080* lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from the following states and 1 U.S. territory: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, and USVI.
• Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states: Alabama, California (2), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas (2), Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon (2), and Virginia. More deaths are under investigation.
  • The median age of deceased patients was 49.5 years and ranged from 27-71 years.
• Among 889 patients with data on age and sex:
  • 70% of patients are male.
  • The median age of patients is 23 years and ranges from 13-75 years.
  • 81% of patients are under 35 years old.
  • By age group category:
    • 16% of patients are under 18 years old;
    • 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old;
    • 18% of patients are 21 to 24 years old;
    • 26% of patients are 25 to 34 years old; and
    • 19% of patients are 35 years or older.

• The latest findings from the investigation into lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• All patients have a reported history of e-cigarette product use, or vaping, and no consistent evidence of an infectious cause has been discovered. Therefore, the suspected cause is a chemical exposure.
• The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time.
• No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. More information is needed to know whether a single product, substance, brand, or method of use is responsible for the outbreak.
• Among 578 patients with information on substances used in e-cigarette, or vaping, products in the 3 months prior to symptom onset:
  • About 78% reported using THC-containing products; 37% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products.
  • About 58% reported using nicotine-containing products; 17% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.
• This complex investigation spans many states, involves hundreds of patients, and involves a wide variety of substances and e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

Top of Page

What CDC is Doing

• CDC is working 24/7 to identify the cause or causes of this outbreak through partnerships with states and other federal agencies.
• CDC has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate activities and provide assistance to states, public health partners and clinicians around the nation.
• CDC’s Lung Injury response efforts are committed to:
  • Identify and define the risk factors and the source for lung disease associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping.
  • Detect and track confirmed and probable cases in the US.
  • Communicate actionable recommendations to state, local, and clinical audiences.
  • Establish lab procedures that can assist with the public heath investigation and patient care.
• CDC continues to work closely with FDA, states, public health partners, and clinicians on this investigation by providing consultation and technical assistance to states on communication, health alerts, public outreach, and surveillance.
• CDC is maintaining an outbreak webpage with key messages and weekly updates on case counts, deaths, and resources.
• CDC is holding congressional briefings, media telebriefings, and regular calls with health departments, clinicians to provide timely updates.
• CDC worked with states to create a case definition to classify confirmed and probable cases in a consistent way. States are in the process of classifying patients. We expect that states and clinicians may look back for past lung injury cases based on CDC’s case definition CDC will report numbers of confirmed and probable lung injury cases once states have finalized their classification of cases.
• By invitation, CDC has deployed Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers to states to conduct Epi-Aids.
• CDC has started collecting and testing clinical lab specimens to learn more about this lung injury.
• CDC developed guidance documents for were created to assist public health laboratories, healthcare providers, and pathologists, and others, with specimen collection, storage, and submission.
• For more information and resources visit For the Public, For Healthcare Providers and For State and Local Health Departments.

*The increase in lung injury cases from last week represents both new patients and recent reporting of previously-identified patients to CDC.
Top of Page


Top of Page

Dates of symptom onset and hospital admission for patients with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping — United States, March 31–September 28, 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#latest-outbreak-information

[Ronan Kelly]

First vaping-related death reported in Connecticut
HEALTH by JENNA CARLESSO OCTOBER 3, 2019


Connecticut health officials on Thursday reported the first death from a vaping-related illness in the state.

A person between the ages of 30 and 39 is the first to die in Connecticut of a mysterious lung disease linked to vaping, state public health officials said Thursday.

In addition, the number of vaping-related illnesses here has reached 25, seven more than the last time state leaders provided data less than a week ago.

The first fatality in Connecticut happened last week. Health officials said the person, whose name was withheld, had been hospitalized for multiple medical conditions.
...
https://ctmirror.org/2019/10/03/firs...n-connecticut/

[Ronan Kelly]

Department of Health reports 1 vaping death in Pennsylvania, multiple lung injuries
by CBS21 NewsFriday, October 4th 2019

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Health held a a press conference on Friday to provide an update on lung injuries associated with vaping and to outline steps being taken.

Officials announced one reported death and nine confirmed lung injury cases in the state due to vaping. There are also 12 probable cases related to vaping. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating an additional 63 cases in the state. The individuals in the cases have all suffered serious lung injuries and most have been hospitalized.

Vaping with illegal cartridges containing THC is the main cause of these reported cases, according to officials, but the Department of Health warns against the use of legally purchased products as well.
...

https://local21news.com/news/local/department-of-health-reports-1-vaping-death-in-pennsylvania-multiple-illnesses

MDHHS reports first death in the state from vaping-related lung injury
by Newschannel 3 Friday, October 4th 2019

First person in Michigan dies from vaping-related illness amid nationwide outbreak of lung diseases. (WWMT/MGN Online)


LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Friday announced the first death in connection with the outbreak of vaping-related lung injury in the state. MDHHS officials said the department was notified of the death of an adult male on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The department did not release the name or any other information on the individual due to confidentiality reasons.

“We are saddened to announce a death associated with this outbreak,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “To protect public health, we urge people to consider refraining from vaping until the specific cause of the vaping-related severe lung injuries being reported nationwide has been identified."
...

https://wwmt.com/news/state/mdhhs-reports-first-death-in-the-state-from-vaping-related-lung-injury

[Ronan Kelly]

Vaping-related death reported in Kings County, second death in Valley

One person has died due to "complications related to the use of e-cigarettes," the Kings County Department of Public Health reported Monday afternoon.

By Gilbert Magallon
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 2:14AM
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Another vaping-related death has been reported in the Central Valley, this time in Kings County.

The Kings County Department of Public Health said a woman died from a severe lung injury.

Nancy Gerking with the department says like many, it started with symptoms similar to a common cold. The symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, nausea, fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
...

https://abc30.com/health/vaping-related-death-reported-in-kings-county-second-death-in-valley/5601183/

[Ronan Kelly]

Governor Cuomo says 17-year-old Bronx teen first NY vaping death

Posted: Oct 8, 2019 / 02:37 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 8, 2019 / 04:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK STATE (WSYR-TV) — On Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that a Bronx teen is New York’s first vaping-related death.

The Department of Health says the 17-year-old was first hospitalized in September with a “vaping-associated respiratory illness.” The teen was readmitted to the hospital in late September and then passed away on October 4th.

The Department of Health says they have received 110 reports of severe pulmonary illness in New York State in people ranging from age 14 to 69 who have used a vaping product at least once.
...

https://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/governor-cuomo-says-17-year-old-bronx-teen-first-ny-vaping-death/

[Ronan Kelly]

Georgia confirms its 2nd death linked to vaping
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
OCTOBER 09, 2019 07:01 AM, UPDATED 6 HOURS 49 MINUTES AGO
ATLANTA
Health officials in Georgia say they have confirmed the state's second death linked to vaping.

The Georgia Department of Public Health said in a news release Wednesday the person died after being hospitalized for lung injury and had a history of nicotine vaping. No other details were given.
...

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/business/health-care/article235948232.html

Utah's first vaping-related death reported, victim was under 30
By Alexandria Hein | Fox News


Health officials in Utah announced the state’s first vape-related death on Wednesday, adding that the victim had “vaped THC prior to their death.” The Utah Department of Health said the victim was under age 30, and died at home without being hospitalized prior to death.


“The UDOH Office of the Medical Examiner made the final determination as to the cause of death,” the health department said in the news release. “Public health officials investigating the death have determined the individual vaped THC prior to their death. In order to protect the identity of the deceased resident, no further information will be released.”
...

https://www.foxnews.com/health/utah-1st-vaping-death

[Ronan Kelly]

Indiana vaping-related deaths now up to 3
POSTED 2:05 PM, OCTOBER 10, 2019, BY FOX59 WEB, UPDATED AT 04:47PM, OCTOBER 10, 2019


LAFAYETTE, Ind.– Indiana now has two more deaths of severe lung injuries linked to a history of e-cigarette use.

The Indianapolis State Department of Health (ISDH) said the latest deaths bring Indiana to three since September 6.

“These deaths are heartbreaking,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “I urge anyone who is using these products to consider stopping, especially if you are vaping THC.”
...

https://fox59.com/2019/10/10/second-vaping-related-death-for-indiana-reported-in-tippecanoe-county/

Texas records 1st death linked to e-cigarette use
by Associated PressThursday, October 10th 2019

DALLAS (AP) — Health officials in Texas say the state has recorded its first death associated with vaping-related lung illnesses.

The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed Wednesday that an older woman in north Texas died last week from a lung disease associated with using electronic cigarettes. The agency says the state has also identified 95 confirmed or probable cases of lung illnesses linked to vaping.
...

https://wwmt.com/news/nation-world/texas-records-1st-death-linked-to-e-cigarette-use

Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping

Espa?ol (Spanish)

Table of Contents

• For the Public: What You Need to Know
• For Healthcare Providers
• For State and Local Health Departments
• Resources

Posted October 10, 2019 at 1:00pm ET

CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

If you have questions about CDC’s investigation into the lung injuries associated with use of electronic cigarette, or vaping, products, contact CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636.


What we know

• As of October 8, 2019, 1,299* lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory.
• Twenty-six deaths have been confirmed in 21 states.
• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• Approximately 70% of patients are male.
• Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
  • 15% of patients are under 18 years old
  • 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old

On This Page

• What we know
• What we don’t know
• What CDC recommends
• Key Facts about E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
• Latest Outbreak Information
• What CDC is Doing
• Map of Reported Cases
• Epi Chart of Reported Cases

book icon
Resources
device icon
Digital Press Kit
For the Public: What You Need to Know

For Healthcare Providers

For State and Local Health Departments


What we don’t know

• The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time.
• No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases.
  • The outbreak is occurring in the context of a dynamic marketplace for e-cigarette, or vaping, products, which may have a mix of ingredients, complex packaging and supply chains, and include potentially illicit substances.
  • Users may not know what is in their e-cigarette or e-liquid solutions. Many of the products and substances can be modified by suppliers or users. They can be obtained from stores, online retailers, from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members), or “off the street.”
• More information is needed to know whether one or more e-cigarette or vaping products, substances, or brands is responsible for the outbreak.

Top of Page

What CDC recommends

• While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC.
• If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes.
• If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak, see a healthcare provider.
• Regardless of the ongoing investigation:
  • Anyone who uses e-cigarette, or vaping, products should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members) or “off the street,” and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
  • Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, prod?ucts.
  • Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
  • THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider.

Top of Page

Key Facts about E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping

• Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
• E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
• The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high”.

Top of Page

Latest Outbreak Information

Updated every Thursday

• As of October 8, 2019, 1,299* lung injury cases associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, have been reported to CDC from the following states, the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, and USVI.
• Twenty-six 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.
  • The median age of deceased patients was 49 years and ranged from 17 to 75 years.
• Among 1,043 patients with data on age and sex:
  • 70% of patients are male.
  • The median age of patients is 24 years and ranges from 13 to 75 years.
  • 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
  • By age group category:
    • 15% of patients are under 18 years old;
    • 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old;
    • 18% of patients are 21 to 24 years old;
    • 26% of patients are 25 to 34 years old; and
    • 20% of patients are 35 years or older.

• The latest findings from the investigation into lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• All patients have a reported history of e-cigarette product use, or vaping, and no consistent evidence of an infectious cause has been discovered. Therefore, the suspected cause is a chemical exposure.
• The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time.
• No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. More information is needed to know whether a single product, substance, brand, or method of use is responsible for the outbreak.
• Among 573 patients with information on substances used in e-cigarette, or vaping, products in the 3 months prior to symptom onset**:
  • About 76% reported using THC-containing products; 32% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products.
  • About 58% reported using nicotine-containing products; 13% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.
• This complex investigation spans many states, involves hundreds of patients, and involves a wide variety of substances and e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

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What CDC is Doing

• CDC is working 24/7 to identify the cause or causes of this outbreak through partnerships with states and other federal agencies.
• CDC has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate activities and provide assistance to states, public health partners and clinicians around the nation.
• CDC’s Lung Injury response efforts are committed to:
  • Identify and define the risk factors and the source for lung disease associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping.
  • Detect and track confirmed and probable cases in the US.
  • Communicate actionable recommendations to state, local, and clinical audiences.
  • Establish lab procedures that can assist with the public heath investigation and patient care.
• CDC continues to work closely with FDA, states, public health partners, and clinicians on this investigation by providing consultation and technical assistance to states on communication, health alerts, public outreach, and surveillance.
• CDC is maintaining an outbreak webpage with key messages and weekly updates on case counts, deaths, and resources.
• CDC is holding congressional briefings, media telebriefings, and regular calls with health departments, clinicians to provide timely updates.
• CDC worked with states to create a primary and an out-of-hospital case definition to classify confirmed and probable cases in a consistent way. States are in the process of classifying patients. We expect that states and clinicians may look back for past lung injury cases based on CDC’s case definition CDC will report numbers of confirmed and probable lung injury cases once states have finalized their classification of cases.
• By invitation, CDC has deployed Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers and other CDC staff to support states.
• CDC has started collecting and testing clinical lab specimens to learn more about this lung injury.
• CDC developed guidance documents for were created to assist public health laboratories, healthcare providers, and pathologists, and others, with specimen collection, storage, and submission.
• For more information and resources visit For the Public, For Healthcare Providers and For State and Local Health Departments. Also available are Publications and Resources.

*The increase in lung injury cases from last week represents both new patients and recent reporting of previously-identified patients to CDC.

**Based on complete reports received.
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Dates of symptom onset and hospital admission for patients with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping — United States, March 31–October 5, 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#latest-outbreak-information

Comment - The two newly reported deaths from Indiana raise the national toll to 28. - Ro