Update on Lung Illnesses and Deaths Associated with Vaping in LA County January 6, 2020 LA County, LA Public Health, Los Angeles County Public Health, Lung Health, Vaping 937 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) continues to warn residents about the use of vaping and e-cigarette devices as potentially harmful to proper lung function and urges residents to STOP VAPING NOW. Nationally, there continue to be reports of people showing up in emergency departments with similar symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, and may have vomiting and diarrhea. And while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified Vitamin E acetate as a potential chemical of concern, the cause for this threat remains unknown. Los Angeles County Cases As of January 2, 2020, there is one new reported case, bringing the total to 36 cases of serious vaping- associated pulmonary injury, and one death associated with e-cigarettes in Los Angeles County. Approximately 2 out of 3 cases reported are in individuals age 25 and younger. Both males and female cases have been reported. All but one reported using both an e-cigarette and a cannabis-type product, not necessarily at the same time. One reported using flavored liquids only (no nicotine, THC, or CBD). Various devices and products were reported and remain under investigation. No specific vendor, product or substance has been identified as the cause. Public Health continues to urge healthcare providers to be on the alert for signs of severe respiratory illness among patients who recently used vaping products including e-cigarettes and report cases by phone to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at 626-299- 3504. For more information about the dangers of vaping and for weekly case updates, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/public/vap ing-faq.htm .