SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego County health officials reported Friday 11 hospitalizations due to vaping.
Those who have been hospitalized range from 17 to 70 years old, according to County of San Diego Communications Specialist Tom Christensen.
The illnesses come as U.S. health officials urge people to stop vaping until they can determine the cause of serious breathing illnesses. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and vomiting.
Some 450 cases and as many as five deaths have been identified in 33 states, including California.
RELATED: Los Angeles County reports 1st vaping-related death as CDC issues e-cigarette warning
Centers for Disease Control officials have not pinpointed a specific vaping device, liquid, or ingredient in connection with the illnesses. However, many of those who were sickened said they had been vaping THC.
There's been a split among public health experts about the value of vaping nicotine. Some argue e-cigarettes are not as lethal as conventional cigarettes and can be a valuable aide to smokers trying to kick the habit
But others say studies have not established that adult smokers who try vaping end up quitting smoking long term. And they fear that kids who might never have picked up cigarettes are taking up vaping.
The Associated Press and AP Medical Reporter Mike Stobbe contributed to this report.
