The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and local health departments are investigating cases of severe lung illness in people with a recent history of vaping.

Vaping is defined as the use of an electronic device (electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, vaporizer, vape[s], vape pen, dab pen or other device) or dabbing to inhale substances (nicotine, marijuana, THC, THC concentrations, CBD, synthetic cannabinoids, flavorings or other substances).

• Teens at Risk - Severe Lung Illness in People Who Vape
• Investigation of Severe Pulmonary Illness Among People Who Have Reported Vaping, 2019-2021 (Final Report)
• 2019 Lung Injury Surveillance Case Definition for Out-of-Hospital Deaths (CDC)

Learn more about vaping and how to talk to your kids about vaping by visiting:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products Visual Dictionary
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - E-Cigarettes: Talk to Youth About the Risks  
• U.S. Surgeon General's Office - How to Talk with Young People  
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Vaporizers, E-Cigarettes, and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
• American Academy of Pediatrics Richmond Center - Tobacco Control and Prevention 
• Texas Health Steps - Escape the Vape: Help Stop the E-Cigarette Epidemic Among Adolescents Course
• Vaping Prevention Resources for Elementary School Professionals
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration - The Real Cost Campaign  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse - Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes)  
• National Cancer Institute’s Smokefree Teen - How to Quit Vaping  
• Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
• Truth Initiative
• Adolescent Health - “What’s New”

If you would like to report a case with similar clinical presentation and history of vaping, please report it to DSHS by calling 512-422-0925 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).