The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that they have increased the number of cases of lung injury and deaths associated with e-cigarette product use to 805.
Of those 805 cases, there have been 12 fatalities. The 12 fatal cases have been reported in 10 states, including two in both California and Kansas.
Two weeks ago, the CDC opened its Emergency Operations Center after 380 confirmed cases of lung damage caused from vaping.
Given recent reports of deaths tied to smoking electronic cigarettes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday it is activating its Emergency Operations Center.
The CDC said that activating the Emergency Operations Center "allows the agency to provide increased operational support for the response to meet the outbreak’s evolving challenges. Agency subject matter experts will continue to lead the CDC response with enhanced support from additional CDC and EOC staff."
The CDC has stressed that it does not know exactly what is causing an outbreak of lung disease among those who vape. The CDC said that its investigation has not identified any specific e-cigarette or vaping product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) or substance that is linked to all cases.
“CDC has made it a priority to find out what is causing this outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-related injuries and deaths,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, M.D. “Activation of CDC’s Emergency Operations Center allows us to enhance operations and provide additional support to CDC staff working to protect our Nation from this serious health threat.”