News Details

County public health officials warn of vaping-associated lung illnesses among people using e-cigarettes

September 9, 2019

SOLANO COUNTY – The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division is advising residents to consider not using e-cigarette products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Federal Drug Administration and state partners are investigating an outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette use (e.g. devices, liquids, refill pods, cartridges).

The CDC is currently investigating over 450 possible cases in 33 states to determine the cause of the outbreak; at least five deaths have been reported nationwide. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified 60 potential cases of acute lung disease among people with a recent history of vaping. These include some who vaped unlicensed or unregulated cannabis products. The exact cause of the illnesses is currently unknown, and no single product is linked to all cases of the lung disease.

"The increasing number of cases of severe pulmonary illnesses associated with vaping is alarming," said Solano County Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas.  “Residents should consider not using e-cigarette products at least while this investigation is ongoing.  People who do use e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms and seek immediate medical care if health concerns arise.”

The use of e-cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, refers to the practice of inhaling a chemical aerosol from an e-cigarette device, which works by heating a liquid that can contain nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs.  The symptoms for this lung-related illness include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.

The CDC advises that e-cigarette products not be used by youth, young adults or pregnant women; adults who do not currently use tobacco products are also advised to not use e-cigarettes. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, people who use e-cigarettes should not buy these products off the street and should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances not intended by the manufacturer. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit can consider evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications, in lieu of e-cigarettes.

If you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your medical provider or the California Smokers' Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS. If you experience, or are concerned you may be experiencing the harmful effects from e-cigarette products, call the California Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.