Vaping-Related Death #s Updated by CDC, Georgia Now on List

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that the number of confirmed and probable cases of lung injury and deaths associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping had once again increased.

Patient with Lung Injury Cases

• As of September 24, 2019, 805 confirmed and probable patient cases of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, were reported by 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• No specific e-cigarette device or substance has been linked to all cases.
• Most patients have reported a history of using vaping products containing THC. Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.
• CDC will continue to report confirmed and probable patient cases as one number because the two definitions are very similar, and this is the most accurate way to understand the number of people affected.

Deaths

• 12 deaths in 10 states:  CA (2), FL, GA, IL, IN, KS (2), MN, MO, MS, OR

Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified the state’s first death from a vaping-associated illness. The patient had a history of heavy nicotine vaping, but no reported history of vaping THC.

DPH has identified nine cases, including the death, of vaping-associated illness in Georgia, and other possible cases are being reviewed. All patients were hospitalized and developed pneumonia with no known infectious cause. Cases range in age from 18 to 68 years (median age 26 years), 78% are male.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, symptoms of vaping-associated illness, which worsen over time, include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People with a history of vaping who are experiencing breathing problems or any of these symptoms should seek medical care.