RIVERSIDE – (INT) – At least five people in Riverside County have developed pulmonary diseases that may be linked to vaping products.

They range in age from 15 to 50 and all have been hospitalized at some point. Some are now recovering at home.

There have been five deaths associated with the ailment nationwide. More than 450 cases have been reported throughout the U.S.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser is urging those who use vaping products to stop until health officials can determine the cause of the respiratory illness.

The CDC reports that some patients have said that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported it took several weeks. A pulmonary infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.

Symptoms included:
-- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
-- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-- Fatigue, fever, or weight loss.

“Until we figure this out, if you don’t need to vape, don’t,” said Dr. Kaiser. “We don’t understand what’s causing this yet.”

Story Date: September 17, 2019