Long Beach Public Health Officials are warning residents of the dangers of vaping and e-cigarette devices, which pose a potential risk to the health of the lungs, including severe lung injury that may lead to death. This warning comes after 530 cases, in 38 states, of Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury (VAPI) have been reported, including seven deaths. California has reported 81 cases since late June, including two deaths.



In Long Beach, two cases of VAPI were reported in August, both of whom have since recovered. Long Beach City Health Officer, Anissa Davis is warning residents to stay alert. “Anyone presently vaping or considering vaping should be aware of the serious potential health risks associated with this practice.”

Long Beach Health Officials continue to work closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), local health care providers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and evaluate VAPI cases. There have been hundreds of cases across the nation presenting in emergency departments with symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fever and some with vomiting and diarrhea. Cases are associated with vaping a variety of substances, including nicotine, CBD, marijuana and synthetic marijuana. Two thirds of cases are 18 to 34 years old, and 16% are under 18 years old. All cases have reported using an e-cigarette product or vaping. Many have reported using e-cigarette products containing THC, while others have reported using both THC and nicotine, and some have reported using products containing only nicotine.

Long Beach Public Health Officials are advising residents to consider refraining from using e-cigarette or vaping products. In addition, youth, young adults, pregnant women and adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not use e-cigarette or vaping products. If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you develop gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately.

The CDC and FDA encourage the public to submit detailed reports of any unexpected health or product issues related to tobacco or e-cigarette products to the FDA via their online Safety Reporting Portal.

Media inquiries can be directed to Anissa Davis, MD, City Health Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, 562.570.4047,Anissa.Davis@longbeach.gov