CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments, and other public health and clinical stakeholders are investigating a national outbreak of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

As of October 22, 2019, 1,604 confirmed and probable lung injury cases associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products were reported by 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thirty-four deaths have been confirmed in 24 states: Alabama, California (3), Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois (2), Indiana (3), Kansas (2), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota (3), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon (2), Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The median age of patients who have died is 49 years, ranging from 17 to 75 years.

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.

Detailed information can be found in the CDC MMWR report that was released today. (www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6843e1.htm)

For updates on this investigation, visit www.cdc.gov/lunginjury.

For information about the collection of e-cigarette products for possible testing by FDA, contact FDAVapingSampleInquiries@fda.hhs.gov.

For information about collection and submission of clinical specimens for possible testing by CDC, see CDC’s Healthcare Provider web page on the investigation website.

For information about collection and submission of e-cigarette, or vaping, products and e-liquids associated with confirmed or probable cases for possible aerosol emissions testing by CDC, contact IncidentResponse@cdc.gov.

Clinicians and health officials who have questions about this outbreak can contact LungDiseaseOutbreak@cdc.gov.

The Emergency Risk Communication Branch in the Division of Emergency Operations, Center for Preparedness and Response is responsible for the management of all COCA products.

For information about this update or other clinical issues, or to send your feedback, please contact us at coca@cdc.gov.

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