The Centers for Disease Control has activated its Emergency Operations Center in response to the ongoing lung illness linked to vaping.
“CDC has made it a priority to find out what is causing this outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-related injuries and deaths,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, M.D. “Activation of CDC’s Emergency Operations Center allows us to enhance operations and provide additional support to CDC staff working to protect our Nation from this serious health threat.”
The seventh death attributed to the pulmonary disease was reported this week. According to CNN, a 40-year-old California man died over the weekend from complications related to using e-cigarettes. Other deaths have been reported in Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon.
Thirty-six states have reported cases of the illness, with symptoms ranging from breathing issues to gastrointestinal problems. Nationally, there are confirmed 380 cases, a figure revised downward from 450 the previous week due to a CDC change in reporting possible incidents that were under investigation.
The activation of the EOC will allow the agency to “provide increased operational support” related to the outbreak. CDC is also working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to collect information about e-cigarette product use, or vaping, among patients and test the substances or chemicals in the products used by patients.
While the investigation continues, the CDC recommends people not use e-cigarettes or vaping products. If you do vape, it is recommended not to purchase any of the products off the street or modify or add substances to existing e-cigarettes.