The CDC reported 284 new cases of vaping-related illnesses this week, bringing the national case count to 1,888 as of Oct. 29.
Five updates:
- Thirty-seven people have died from EVALI — e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury — in 24 states, up from 34 deaths a week prior. The median age of deceased patients is 53, ranging from 17 to 75 years.
- The CDC has obtained complete demographic data on 1,358 patients. Of these, 70 percent are male and 79 percent are under age 35.
- While the source of the illnesses is still unknown, the CDC says THC plays a major role in the outbreak.
- Of the 867 patients who shared information on vaping habits, 86 percent reported using products containing THC in the three months before they got sick, while 34 percent reported exclusive use of THC-containing products. Exclusive use of nicotine was reported by 11 percent of patients.
- Vaping-related illnesses have occurred in every state but Alaska.