Over 450 cases of lung disease across 33 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands are being studied in correlation with e-cigarette use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just announced that they are working with state agencies across the country to investgate an outbreak of severe lung disease in patients who use e-cigarettes (also known as vaping). To date, five deaths have been reported in relation to the investigation.

“We are committed to finding out what is making people sick,” said Robert R. Redfield, MD, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “All available information is being carefully analyzed, and these initial findings are helping us narrow the focus of our investigation and get us closer to the answers needed to save lives.”

vaping woman

None of the patients involved had any evidence of other infectious diseases, and the common link is that they all vape. The investigation cohort include both THC- and nicotine-containing products with their e-cigarette devices. 

According to the CDC, the affected patient reported symptoms like:

  • coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • gastrointestinal signs like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • fatigue, fever, or unexpected weight loss

If you use e-cigarettes and have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, you should get checked out with your local health professional or clinic. You can also call (800) 222-1222 to discuss immediate concerns about e-cigarette use with your local poison control center.

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The CDC is working directly to get information out to medical providers on a national level. In the meantime, the CDC is strongly suggesting that you discontinue the use of e-cigarettes. Furthermore, pregnant women, children, and young adults should refrain from vaping entirely.

To date, no particular brand of e-cigarette or vaping product has named in direct correlation with the investigation. 

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**All of the photos in this article are courtesy of Unsplash.

For more information, see the CDC announcement about this ongoing investigation. 

Do you or someone you know vape? Is the news of this investigation going to alter your use of e-cigarettes? Sound off in the comments!