The CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center Sept. 16 to help discover the cause of the vaping-related lung illnesses sickening patients nationwide, according to AAP News.
The EOC, a public health emergency response team, will "enhance operations and provide additional support to CDC staff working to protect our nation from this serious health threat," CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, said in a news release. Previously activated for emergencies such as Ebola and hurricanes, the EOC is staffed with experts 24-7, 365 days a year.
As of Sept. 11, the CDC has identified 380 confirmed and probable cases of vaping-related illness in 36 states, along with six deaths. The seventh vaping-related death was reported on Sept. 17 by CNN.
The CDC suggests individuals avoid vaping or using e-cigarette products while the investigation is ongoing and encourages clinicians to report suspected vaping-related cases to their state health department. The CDC recommends individuals report tobacco or e-cigarette-related issues to the FDA's online Safety Reporting Portal.