The number of people who have died or fallen ill from vaping-related illnesses continues to rise, according to new figures released Thursday from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control.
As of Oct. 29, 1,888 confirmed and probable lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette products were reported by 49 states (except Alaska), the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A total of 284 new cases have been diagnosed by the CDC over the last week.
Nationally, 37 people have died from vaping-related illnesses.
On Oct. 29, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced the state’s third vaping-related death.
»MORE: Third vaping-related death in Georgia confirmed as total cases rise
Health authorities have suggested Americans refrain from e-cigarettes until more is known about the mystery illness. But they also don’t want people to switch back to traditional combustible cigarettes, which are considered far more dangerous and responsible for nearly half a million deaths annually in the U.S.
The latest vaping death in Georgia involved a person with a history of vaping nicotine for a few years.
There have been 25 confirmed cases of the vaping-associated illness in Georgia this year. Most patients were hospitalized and required respiratory support. They have ranged in age from 18 to 68, with a median age of 33. Of those sickened, 56% are men.
»RELATED: Former Juul exec alleges company shipped tainted products
One of the world’s biggest manufacturers of e-cigarette products has come under fire this week. A former executive at Juul has alleged the company knowingly refused to recall 1 million tainted nicotine pods to customers.
»MORE: Top Juul marketing executive resigns as concerns rise over vaping
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