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 The CDC said there was no evidence that an infectious disease was
behind the illnesses and that more information was needed to
determine whether they were in fact caused by e-cigarette use.
The CDC is working with health departments in Wisconsin, Illinois,
California, Indiana and Minnesota on the investigation. Since June
28, states have reported 94 possible cases of severe lung illness
tied to vaping, primarily among teenagers and young adults,
according to a CDC statement on Saturday. Of those cases, 30
occurred in Wisconsin.
Patients experienced coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. Some
had serious breathing difficulties that required ventilation.
A CDC spokesman was unable to provide additional information on the
investigation. Representatives for the state health departments did
not respond to inquiries.
Other states, including New York and New Jersey, have also issued
health advisories regarding vaping-linked lung illnesses.
The CDC did not link the illnesses to any specific product. In the
United States, Juul Labs, in which Altria Group Inc <MO.N> has a 35%
stake, is the dominant e-cigarette maker.
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"Like any health-related events reportedly associated with the use
of vapor products, we are monitoring these reports," Juul Labs said
on Sunday in a statement emailed to Reuters.
"These reports reaffirm the need to keep all tobacco and nicotine
products out of the hands of youth through significant regulation on
access and enforcement. We also must ensure illegal products, such
as counterfeit, copycat, and those that deliver controlled
substances, stay out of the market and away from youth."
Juul also noted that, according to some media reports, several
incidences of lung illness linked to vaping have involved THC, found
in marijuana, "a Schedule 1, controlled substance that we do not
sell," the company said.
E-cigarettes are generally thought to be safer than traditional
cigarettes, which kill up to half of all lifetime users, according
to the World Health Organization. But the long-term health effects
of the nicotine devices remain largely unknown. In April, the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration began an investigation into seizures
among e-cigarette users.
(Reporting by April Joyner; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Rosalba
O'Brien)
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