Update: Characteristics of Patients in a National Outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use–Associated Lung Injuries — United States, October 2019

Source:

Moritz ED, Zapata LB, Lekiachvili A, et al. Update: Characteristics of Patients in a National Outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use–Associated Lung Injuries — United States, October 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 28 October 2019. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6843e1

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

CDC and partners are investigating the ongoing outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) in the United States, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory.

What is added by this report?

As of October 22, 2019, a total of 1,604 cases of EVALI, including 34 deaths, were reported to CDC. Based on data collected as of October 15, 2019, use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products in the 3 months preceding symptom onset was reported by 86% of patients. The median age of EVALI patients who survived was 23 years, and the median age of EVALI patients who died was 45 years.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Most EVALI patients report using THC-containing products before symptom onset. CDC recommends that persons should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products containing THC. Because the specific compound or ingredient causing EVALI is not known, persons should consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.