EVALI: What you need to know

Last updated: 2/26/20

A sudden and severe lung illness from vaping has affected over a thousand people in the US¹, becoming a public health crisis. Nearly all patients have been hospitalized, receiving treatments including medically induced coma^{2 3 4} breathing machines⁵, and other life support measures.^{6 7 8}

Patients experience a range of warning signs before going to the hospital. Doctors have treated patients with many different symptoms, from trouble breathing⁹ to lung damage that looks like chemical burns.¹⁰ The exact cause of the outbreak is unknown,¹¹ but here’s what we do know:

• 2,807 cases of vaping lung illnesses are reported so far, across 50 states¹², including more than 200 cases in California.¹³
• 68 vaping deaths have been confirmed nationwide, including four in California.^{14 15}
• Products containing THC, especially those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (for example, friends, family members, or illegal dealers) are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak. However, the liquids in vape devices associated with the lung illness include nicotine, THC, and CBD. Many people say they vape both cannabis and nicotine. ^{16 17}
• A third of the patients need breathing machines to keep them alive.¹⁸
• Two-thirds are between 18-34 years old. ¹⁵
• Most are men.²⁰

For an updated weekly report on California outbreak information, visit California Department of Public Health and download the EVALI Weekly Update Report.

People with lung damage from vaping usually show signs that start a few days to a few weeks before they go see a doctor.21 All people hospitalized had some type of breathing problem, but many people also have other symptoms. The warning signs reported by those affected are:

• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Nausea, throwing up, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss

If you vape and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be a long-time user in order to develop the lung illness. New users have been affected as well. ^{22 23}

Need help quitting? Call 1-800-300-8086 or CHAT NOW. For additional resources go to KickItCa.org.

CDPH strongly recommends that you stop vaping until the cause of the lung illness is known. For those who choose to vape THC, only buy products from a licensed cannabis store. Never buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping product off the street, especially those that have THC. Never modify a vape product.

CDC additionally recommends Vitamin E acetate should not be added to any e-cigarette, or vaping, products. People should not add any other substances not intended by the manufacturer to products, including products purchased through retail establishments

Officials are concerned about whether the vaping illness increases the risk of the flu or other illnesses during or following treatment. CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, including people who use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.²⁴

Get more outbreak information from the CDC.

Additional resources:

• FDA
• CDPH Health Advisory
• Statement from the CDC Director, Robert R. Redfield, M.D. and FDA commissioner, Ned Sharpless, M.D.
• CDC Health Advisory