Abstract
Freshwater harmful algal bloom (FHAB) toxins can cause morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals, and the incidence of FHABs in the United States and Kansas has increased. In 2010, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) developed a FHAB policy and response plan. We describe the epidemiology of FHAB-associated morbidity and mortality in humans and animals in Kansas. Healthcare providers and veterinarians voluntarily reported FHAB-associated cases to KDHE. An investigation was initiated for each report to determine the source of exposure and to initiate public health mitigation actions. There were 38 water bodies with a confirmed FHAB in 2011. There were 34 reports of human and animal FHAB-associated health events in 2011, which included five dog deaths and hospitalization of two human case patients. Five confirmed human illnesses, two dog illnesses and five dog deaths were associated with one lake. Four human and seven dog cases were exposed to the lake after a public health alert was issued. Public health officials and FHAB partners must ensure continued awareness of the risks to the public, educate healthcare providers and veterinarians on FHAB-related health events and encourage timely reporting to public health authorities.
Highlights
Cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, are found throughout the world in a variety of aquatic environments
Public water bodies were sampled for Freshwater harmful algal bloom (FHAB) when: (1) a report of a FHAB in a public body of water was received, or (2) a suspected FHAB-related illness in animals or humans was identified and reported to Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
In 2011, there were 42 water bodies reported to KDHE with a suspect harmful algal bloom; 38 water bodies were confirmed with a FHAB
Summary
Cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, are found throughout the world in a variety of aquatic environments. This ancient class of microorganisms includes multiple species that produce some of the most powerful toxins known to man [1]. The cyanobacteria within the bloom can produce toxins that adversely affect human and animal health. The effects of microcystin poisoning depend on the route of exposure (e.g., ingestion, inhalation, direct contact) and the amount of toxin to which the human, or animal, has been exposed. Clinical signs and symptoms of acute microcystin poisoning, in both animals and humans, are non-specific and can include; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, sore throat, rash and liver damage [4,6,7,8]. Most people with recreational water exposure to cyanobacteria recover without sequelae; the outcome for most dogs is death [4,6,7,8]
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