On August 27, 2019, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health alert with updated information regarding 36 cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury requiring hospitalization that has been reported to CDPH.

Key Messages

• Since June, 36 cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury requiring hospitalization have been reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Most patients report vaping the cannabis compounds THC and/or CBD, and some patients also report vaping nicotine products, although the exact cause of illness is not yet known.
• Clinicians who identify cases similar to those described in this health alert are asked to report the cases to their local health department.
• Local health departments should report new cases or direct any inquiries to the CDPH Duty Officer dutyofficer@cdph.ca.gov or 916-328-3605. Please also contact the CDPH Duty Officer when any vaping devices or supplies have been collected from a patient and can be turned over to CDPH for testing.

To view this and other health advisories, alerts, updates and vax facts, visit https://www.sfcdcp.org/health-alerts-emergencies/health-alerts/

If you have any symptoms or are at risk, it’s especially important to stay home and avoid in-person contact with others.

Coronavirus symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

You can check your symptoms using the Symptom Screener or by contacting your doctor through telehealth.

Some people are at higher risk to get very sick from COVID-19, including:

• people over 65 years old
• people with compromised immune systems
• Individuals who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease
• Smokers

If you are at higher risk, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself: 

• Stay home. It’s the most important thing you can do.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Isolate anyone sick in your home in a separate room, if possible.
• Get food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks. Wipe off containers with disinfectant wipes.
• Listen to public health officials. They may recommend community actions to reduce exposure in times of local outbreak.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

Caregivers can find resources at the Department of Aging website, including guidelines to protect the health and safety of both you and your loved one from COVID-19.

Find the latest safety tips, trusted sources, and health terms to keep you and your loved ones informed during this public health emergency.