CDC, states investigating severe pulmonary disease among people who use e-cigarettes
For Immediate Release: Saturday, August 17, 2019
Contact: Media Relations
CDC is providing consultation to the departments of health in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Indiana, and Minnesota about a cluster of pulmonary illnesses linked to e-cigarette product use, or “vaping,” primarily among adolescents and young adults. Additional states have alerted CDC to possible (not confirmed) cases and investigations into these cases are ongoing. There is no conclusive evidence that an infectious disease is causing the illnesses. While some cases in each of the states are similar and appear to be linked to e-cigarette product use, more information is needed to determine what is causing the illnesses.
- 94 possible cases of severe lung illness associated with vaping were reported in 14 states from June 28, 2019, to August 15, 2019 (this includes 30 cases in Wisconsin).
- The investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared as it is available.
CDC notified U.S. healthcare systems and clinicians about the illnesses and what to watch for via a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Clinical Action Message. For information about a specific state, contact that state’s health department.
For information on electronic cigarettes visit: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm
CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.