The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in close to 300 confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.

On December 20, 2019, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was amended to raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigar and electronic vaping products to anyone under 21. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.

As of Dec. 18, 2019, six cases of electronic, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported in Clark County, Nevada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with EVALI. The Health District and the CDC recommend these products never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, and people who do not currently use tobacco products. People who currently use tobacco products who wish to quit smoking should use FDA-approved therapies. People should not buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC from informal sources such as friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers. Devices and substances should not be modified or used in ways that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.

On Nov. 21, 2019, the Southern Nevada District Board of Health approved changes to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule. An itemized listing is available as downloadable PDF.

CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, are investigating a national outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s...