Eighteen deaths have been reported in 15 states so far. Although officials said the exact cause behind the injuries has not been determined, most of the people that have suddenly fallen sick have reported using vaping products that contained THC.
What We Know:
“[Consumers] should not use vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant,” the CDC announced Friday. “Additionally, consumers who choose to use any vaping products should not modify or add any substances such as THC or other oils to products purchased in stores and should not purchase any vaping products, including those containing THC, off the street.”
- The warning is the strongest caution issued by the CDC since a string of casesinvolving vaping-related illnesses have been reported in 48 states and one US territory.
- Those who have suddenly fallen sick have reported severe pneumonia symptoms, difficulty breathing, fever, fatigue, and respiratory failure.
- About 80% of the patients are under 35 years old, according to the CDC.
- Although the cause of the illnesses has yet to be pinpointed, the warning seemed to suggest officials were focusing on products that contained THC.
“We do know that THC is present in most of the samples being tested,” the CDC said in a statement. “Most of the patients impacted by these illnesses reported using THC-containing products, suggesting THC products are playing a role in these illnesses.”
- Since vaping-linked illnesses broke out, health officials have been looking into several theories as to what might be causing similar symptoms among patients.
- The New York Department of Health previously reported that it was looking into vitamin E acetate, an ingredient found in some lotions and food. Other agencies have warned against using products purchased on the black market.
- CDC officials said Friday it has yet to narrow its focus, calling the investigation “complex and evolving.”
The CDC’s criminal division also opened an inquiry into the matter, officials said.
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