CDC: Vaping Lung Cases Surge 52% in Past Week; 7-10 Cases in Kane County
(CREDIT: CNBC)
The Centers For Disease Control reported today (Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019) that the number of vaping-related lung cases jumped 52% over the previous week, with the confirmed death toll at 12 nationwide.
Electronic cigarette liquid flavor on wooden background.
One of those deaths was in Illinois.
The CDC said there have been 805 confirmed cases of lung injury reported from 46 states and one U.S. territory.
CDC officials say they do not yet know the specific e-cigarette or vaping product — devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges — or substance that is linked to all cases.
However, based on the initial data, most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC, the drug found in marijuana.
“Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine,” the CDC said. “Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.”
Today’s report said that, of the 373 cases in which the CDC has received complete sex and age data, nearly three-fourths (72%) are male and a large majority (83%) are 34 years old or younger.
2019 Respiratory Illnesses in Illinois
As if today, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports 88 confirmed cases of vaping related lung illness. From seven to 10 of those have been reported in Kane County.
The median age of those reporting is 22.
“E-cigarettes recently surpassed conventional cigarettes as the most commonly used tobacco product among youth,” the IDPH said. “It is critical that public health officials and the general public understand the potential risks of using them.”
What You Need To Know: Symptoms
CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use.
Patients in this investigation have reported symptoms such as:
- cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain
CDC Recommendations as of Sept. 26
As of 9/24, 805 confirmed & probable patient cases of lung injury associated w/ e-cigarette product use, or vaping were reported by 46 states & one territory. 12 deaths were confirmed. Latest findings from the ongoing investigation. https://t.co/Pz8b5HoeMv pic.twitter.com/F6wGnyh3oS
— CDC (@CDCgov) September 26, 2019
Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. A lung infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.
Until we know more, if you are concerned about these specific health risks, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette or vaping products.
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.
If you use e-cigarette or vaping products:
- Anyone who uses an e-cigarette or vaping product should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) off the street, and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- See a healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.
Regardless of the Ongoing Investigation
Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette products.- Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette products.
- Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette products.
Safety Reporting Portal
CDC and FDA encourage the public to submit detailed reports of any unexpected health or product issues related to tobacco or e-cigarette products to the FDA via the online Safety Reporting Portal.
SOURCE: CDC website
