First Case Of Vaping-Related Lung Injury Reported In Napa County

NAPA, CA— Public health officials with Napa County said Friday that a resident has been diagnosed with vaping-associated pulmonary injury. It is the first case identified in the county since severe breathing problems and lung damage were first linked to vaping products this past summer, according to Napa County Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio.

"We are seeing a new condition associated with vaping that is causing severe respiratory illness in otherwise healthy, young people," Relucio said in a news release. "The specific chemical exposure associated with this illness is not yet known and it is our recommendation that consumers protect themselves by refraining from vaping."

At this time, a nationwide investigation has not identified any specific vaping product or substance that is linked to all cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Oct. 1, the CDC had received reports of over 1,080 cases of pulmonary injury — including 18 confirmed deaths — associated with vaping across 48 states and one U.S. territory.

California Department of Public Health as of Sept. 24 had received reports of 104 people who had a history of vaping being hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage — two of whom died.

State officials urge everyone to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current investigations are complete.

According to CDPH:

"Vaping is inhaling aerosol from an e-cigarette or other vaping device that heats a liquid that can contain nicotine, marijuana (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) or other substances. The shapes and sizes of these devices vary and include colorful vape pens, modified tank systems, and new pod-based devices that can look like USB flash drives, cellphones, credit card holders, and highlighters. These devices are frequently referred to as e-cigarettes, e‐cigs, vapes, vape pens, electronic vaporizers, pod mods, or pod systems."

In Napa County, Dr. Relucio is reminding clinicians to report suspected cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury to Napa County Public Health.

Health-care providers in Napa County are also urged to collect associated vaping products for testing, as prompt investigation of cases is critical to establishing cause, said Noel Brinkerhoff, spokesperson for the county.

The outbreak of lung injuries comes in the context of rapid increases in vaping rates across Napa County in recent years, Brinkerhoff said.

During the 2018-2019 school year, nearly one in five Napa County 11th graders reported they'd recently vaped.

The Napa County Public Health Tobacco Control Program is working alongside community partners to increase knowledge about the dangers of vaping, provide resources for those who want to quit, and implement policies that will make it harder for youth to access these products in the future.

"The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment," Brinkerhoff said.