CDC Confirms 8th Vaping-Related Death as 530 Probable Illness Cases are Investigated

On Sep. 19, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the eighth U.S. death linked to vaping-related lung disease as a Missouri man in his forties. This came just four days after California’s Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency announced the seventh death on Sep. 16. The other six confirmed vaping-related deaths occurred in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota and Oregon.

Also on Sep. 19, the CDC revealed that the number of vaping-related illness cases being investigated has climbed to 530 across 38 states and one U.S. territory, a dramatic jump from the 380 cases across 36 states that was reported less than a week earlier. CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat told reporters that she is “very concerned” about the rising number and that health officials are “working around the clock” to pinpoint what is causing lung illness among vape users. Over half of the cases involve patients who are under 25 years old, with 16 percent of them being 18-years-old or younger.

It has also come to light that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is pursuing a criminal investigation into the vaping supply chain. FDA officials suspect that chemical exposure is to blame for the lung disease cases, but have not yet identified the exact cause of the vaping-related lung illness and deaths. The criminal probe extends across several states, products and substances, but will not target individuals for their personal use of vaping products.

These updates come among regulation crackdowns on vaping and e-cigarette use in the U.S. As a reminder, the U.S. federal government called for the nationwide removal of flavored e-cigarettes on Sep. 11, just two days after the release of a warning letter issued by the FDA to JUUL Labs, Inc. for illegally marketing its vaping products as a safe alternative to cigarette use for nicotine-addicted youth. Alex Azar, secretary for the U.S. Health and Human Services, has said that the current administration “intend[s] to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools and communities.”

If you or a loved one (who was NOT a previous cigarette smoker) developed lung disease such as Bronchiolitis Obliterans due to vaping, contact the injury advocates at Childers, Schlueter, & Smith by calling 800-641-0098 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your legal options. All initial inquiries are free of charge and without obligation.

Please note we are not able to speak or correspond to anyone that is 18 years of age or under. We can and will only legally be allowed to speak with a parent or guardian to ensure COPPA compliance.