The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,080 reported cases of vaping-related lung injuries across 48 states and one U.S. territory as of Oct. 1.
In an Oct. 3 press release, the CDC also confirmed 18 deaths across 15 states. Of the 1,080 lung injury cases, about 70% of the patients are male and about 80% are under 35 years of age.
The CDC's previous statement in September had reported 805 cases of lung illness linked to vaping.
On Oct. 3, Delaware confirmed its first vaping-associated death.
The agency, which has been tracking and investigating vaping-related injuries and deaths, maintained its recommendation that people avoid using e-cigarette products, especially those containing THC.
"The specific chemical exposure causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time," the CDC said. "More information is needed to know whether one or more e-cigarette or vaping products, substances, or brands [are] responsible for the outbreak."
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently ordered six e-cigarette manufacturers, including Juul Labs Inc., Altria Group Inc.-owned Nu Mark LLC and British American Tobacco PLC's R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., to submit reports on their sales and advertising practices. Juul Labs is facing a separate FTC investigation into its marketing practices.
