Vaping Illnesses, Deaths Decline: See Illinois Numbers

ILLINOIS — More than 218 cases of vaping-related illnesses have been recorded in Illinois since 2019, but a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of reported illnesses is declining after a sharp spike last fall.

At the same time, health officials are making progress in identifying the cause of lung illnesses and deaths associated with vaping, according to the report.

As of Feb. 18, a total of 2,807 people were hospitalized for lung illnesses related to vaping, according to the CDC. Cases have come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So far, 68 deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and the District of Columbia.

Out of the 218 total cases in Illinois, five people have died from vaping-related illnesses. The counties seeing the most cases of vaping-related illness include Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane and Lake.

The fifth vaping-related death in Illinois was reported in November. Since then, state health officials have reported 31 additional cases of vaping-related illness, but no new deaths. Patients ranged in age from 13 to 75 years old.

The numbers represent a gradual but continuous decline in the number of reported illnesses, according to the CDC report. Emergency room visits related to electronic cigarette use spiked in August 2019 before peaking in September.

Most vaping-related illnesses can be traced back to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarettes or products, specifically obtained from informal sources such as friends, family or through online dealers or in-person or online dealers, according to the CDC.

The CDC has also linked vitamin E acetate found in these products to a majority of illnesses. Vitamin E acetate — found in many foods, dietary supplements and cosmetic products — is safe when taken as a supplement or applied to the skin, but it is known to interfere with normal lung function when inhaled, the CDC reports.

While a strong link exists between vitamin E acetate and illnesses, the CDC report says health officials have not ruled out other chemicals of concern in THC and non-THC products.