KERN COUNTY, Calif. — Kern County Health officials have confirmed at least one minor was among the three cases of vaping-related illnesses in Kern County. Public Health Director Matt Constantine addressed the Board of Supervisors saying they want to focus on educating parents about the risks of vaping.
"The issue at hand we really want to focus on is parents should really be aware of the risks," said Constantine/ "It involves children. They should be aware of these electronic devices these e-cigs, these vaping devices."
Constantine also spoke about how vaping is a big issue around the country, leading to 18 deaths including two in California. He said the vaping products are being marketed toward kids especially young girls.
According to Constantine 80 percent of illnesses involve people under 35 years, 21 percent between people 18 to 20 years and 16 percent are minors.
At the end of his public presentation, he said public health will return during the November 5th supervisors' meeting with a list of options to address vaping-related illnesses.
