CDC warns against e-cigarette use after 455 cases, 5 vaping-related deaths
WASHINGTON - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched an investigation and is warning Americans against using e-cigarette products after an outbreak of 455 cases, including five deaths across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The outbreak stems from the use of e-cigarette products that were linked to lung illnesses, the CDC reported.
The 450 possible cases were reported in 33 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands as of September 6.
In addition, five deaths related to vaping were confirmed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon, according to the CDC.
RELATED: Illinois patient’s death may be first in U.S. tied to vaping
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health held a press conference on Friday regarding an investigation about the first known death associated with vaping in the county.
RELATED: L.A. health officials investigating first known death linked to vaping
On August 30, the CDC issued a health advisory due to a severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette products.
Symptoms of the disease reported by patients include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever or weight loss.
An elevated heart rate and elevated white blood cell count have also been reported.
The CDC reports antibiotic therapy alone does not lead to improved conditions in patients.
The time period of experiencing the symptoms ranged from developing over a few days to several weeks, the CDC said.
RELATED: North Texas teen's lung failure linked to vaping
A specific substance or product associated with the outbreak has not yet been identified in the investigation. However, patients commonly vaped with liquids with cannabinoid products such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The investigations are ongoing. The CDC will provide more updates as more details become available.