CDC reports 1,888 illnesses, including 37 deaths, caused by vaping

The number of people who have become sick after vaping is nearing 2,000, according to new data released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of Tuesday, the CDC had confirmed 1,888 probable lung injury cases associated with vaping since the outbreak started earlier this year. 

That’s an increase of 284 cases from last week. The CDC also confirmed 37 deaths in 24 states and D.C., an increase of three fatalities from last week. 

{mosads}The CDC still hasn’t identified a specific product or ingredient that is making people sick. 

Most of the patients had vaped THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, before becoming ill; many had purchased those products off the street.

But it’s not clear if it’s the THC or any number of chemicals and substances that are found in vaping liquids are causing the lung illnesses.

Vitamin E acetate, an ingredient often found in dietary supplements that is harmful if inhaled into the lungs, has been identified in some, but not all, of the product samples collected from patients. 

CDC principle deputy director Anne Schuchat said last month it is likely there are multiple causes of the illnesses. 

“I think there will be multiple causes and potentially more than one root cause,” she said.