SUBJECT:

Urgent Advisory Issued by CDC on Outbreak of Vaping-related Illnesses

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an advisory urging everyone to refrain from vaping effective immediately, due to a continued increase in vaping-associated pulmonary injury. Until the cause of the condition is known, the state is advising against ALL manner of vaping or electronic cigarette use.

EFFECTS OF VAPING
According to the CDC: “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.

As of October 29, 2019, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,800 cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), with 37 deaths reported nationwide.

The CDPH has identified 136 cases of acute lung disease in California among people with a history of vaping cannabis or nicotine. All patients required hospitalization, with some needing respiratory support. Three deaths associated with the disease also have been reported.

HOW TO STAY SAFE
As valued members of the UC San Diego community, we urge you to observe the following CDPH recommendations:
• Quit vaping altogether, no matter the substance or source. For those who continue, please avoid purchasing any vaping products on the street and never modify a store-bought vape product.
• Anyone with a history of vaping who experiences difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment is essential to preserving lung health.
• If you decide to stop, do not replace vaping with smoking combustible cigarettes.
• Visit Student Health Services to learn more about resources and programs to help you quit at
https://wellness.ucsd.edu/healthpromotion/services/Pages/Smoking-Cessation.aspx or call 858-822-5926.
• Additional resources are available at UC San Diego for those who vape and need help quitting at http://smokefree.ucsd.edu

. To learn more about the serious effects of vaping on our campus community, please read the following This Week @ UC San Diego article from November 14, 2019:
https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/vaping-a-serious-hit-to-your-health

Alysson M. Satterlund Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs Patty Maysent CEO, UC San Diego Health