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DC Health confirms first vaping-associated death in the District

The CDC has confirmed 34 deaths across the country.

WASHINGTON — The DC Health Department confirmed Thursday that one vaping-associated death occurred in the District. Thirty-four deaths have been confirmed nationwide, according to the CDC

The CDC has confirmed 1,604 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) as of Oct. 22. Injuries have occurred in 49 states (excluding Alaska), D.C. and 1 U.S. territory. 

There is no single product or chemical substance that has been linked to the deaths or injuries but most EVALI patients reported a history of using THC-containing products, according to the CDC. 

"DC Health urges District residents to refrain from using all e-cigarette and vaping products until further notice," a DC Health press release said. "Cannabis or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vape-products that are obtained off the street may pose the greatest risk."

The individual who has died has not been identified and local, state and national agencies continue to investigate the outbreak. 

RELATED: 5 people in Maryland develop severe lung illness from vaping

Symptoms of EVALI:

  • shortness of breath
  • coughing 
  • chest pain
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • unexplained weight loss
  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • fever 

The symptoms can develop within a few days or over the course of a few weeks. 

Vaping devices and liquids will be accepted along with unused and expired prescription medications at all Drug Take Back Day locations on Oct. 26.

RELATED: 'We have to put a stop to this' | Northern Virginia teens fight to end vaping

RELATED: Vaping dangers: 3 people in Virginia diagnosed with lung illnesses linked to e-cigarettes

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