On August 1, 2019 the CDC launched a multistate investigation into a mysterious outbreak of lung injury illnesses later refered to as EVALI. At this time 25 US states had reported possible cases of lung illnesses associated with use of e-cigarette (vaping) products (e.g., devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges), of which 2 deaths had been reported. [2, 3]
As early as July 2019 several patients aged 18–35 years with acute lung injury, reported to all have “experienced several days of worsening dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and fever”. “All five patients shared a history of recent use of marijuana oils or concentrates in e-cigarettes”.
On Feb 25, 2020 the CDC reported Emergency department (ED) visits related to vaping products continue to decline, after sharply increasing in August 2019 and peaking in September 2019. [4] As of February 18, 2020, a total of 2,807 hospitalized EVALI cases were reported to CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) of which 68 died. The first death was reported on Aug 23, 2019.
“No evidence of infectious diseases has been identified in these patients, therefore lung illnesses are likely associated with a chemical exposure.” Investigations by the CDC into EVALI revealed 82% of hospitalized patients reported tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing product use, potentially contaminated. [5]