Science Lion Byte: Vaping Illness Outbreak Update – Nov. 21, 2019

Please refer to our previous publication for a comprehensive background of the vaping illness outbreak in the United States.

Here is a summary of the latest vaping-related lung illness data released by the CDC, as of November 21, 2019 at 1pm EST:

• The number of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) cases has been reported to reach 2,290 nationwide, rising from 2,172 last week. California, Illinois, and Texas lead the nation in confirmed EVALI cases.

• EVALI cases have now been reported in all of the United States, with the exception of Alaska. The District of Columbia (D.C.), Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands have reported cases, as well.

• There have now been 47 confirmed deaths related to EVALI, rising from 42 last week. States reporting the most EVALI-related deaths are Illinois (5), California (4), and Indiana (4).

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As of the most recent data set, EVALI patient statistics are as follows:

• Regarding hospitalization status, 95% of EVALI patients have been hospitalized; 5% have not.

• 68% of patients are reported to be male.

• Breakdown of patients by age group:
  – 15% of patients were under 18 years old
  – 38% were 18 to 24 years old
  – 24% were 25 to 34 years old
  – 23% were 35 years or older
  

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There have been 2,290 confirmed EVALI cases and 47 EVALI-related deaths reported in the United States, continuing a steady, weekly rise in case numbers, nationwide.

The most complete information of patient product use, 3 months prior to symptom onset, reflects the following:

• 83% reported using THC-containing products; 35% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products.

• 61% reported using nicotine-containing products; 13% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.

• 48% reported both THC- and nicotine-containing product use.

• 4% reported no THC- or nicotine-containing product use.

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Looking beyond the United States, President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines plans to issue an official ban on e-cigarettes, after the country reported its first confirmed EVALI case in a 16 year-old girl, on November 15, 2019.

The Philippines would join roughly 30 other countries that have moved to issue a ban on e-cigarette products, including Brazil, India and Singapore. President Trump of the United States is still contemplating an executive order to ban e-cigarettes; in particular, flavored e-cigarette products.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the CDC will not report new numbers next week, but expect an update around December 5.

Take care and stay tuned for the next Science Lion Byte!

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