CDC: 1888 Cases of Vaping-Related Lung Injury Thus Far

As of October 29, 2019, 1888 cases of vaping-related lung injury have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 49 states. Illinois has reported the greatest number of cases (150-199), while Alaska is the only state without a reported case.

Thirty-seven deaths have occurred in 24 states and in the District of Columbia. Ages of the deceased patients ranged from 17 to 75 years.

Of the 1378 patients for which sex data was available, 70% are male. For the 1364 patients with available age data, ages range from 13 to 75, with 79% being younger than 35 years.

Of the 867 patients with information on the substances used, 86% reported using THC-containing products, with 34% reporting exclusive use of  tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products.

“The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (eg friends, family members, illicit dealers), are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak,” they wrote.

Until a compound or ingredient can be identified as the cause of the illness, the CDC recommends that patients refrain from the use of vaping products.—Michael Potts