CyanoHABs and Health

How do cyanobacteria blooms impact human and animal health?

Toxins from cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms (cyanoHABs) can make both humans and animals sick. Children, people with weakened immune systems, and pets are most at risk. This page covers how our health can be effected.

Human Illness Symptoms

Toxins from cyanoHABs can cause the following symptoms if swallowed:

Bad taste in mouth
Loss of appetitie
Malaise or lethargy
Headache or fever
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bloody diarrhea
Blood in urine or dark urine
Acute hepatitis or jaundice
Tingling
Numbness
Burning sensation
Drowsiness
Salivation
Sleep disturbances

Direct skin contact with cyanotoxins can cause skin rashes.

Pet Illness Symptoms

Dogs are especially vulnerable to cyanotoxins because of their size and activity level. Even low levels of toxins can be deadly. Get veterinary help right away if your dog shows symptoms like:

Drooling
Weakness
Vomiting
Staggering

Our Dog Safety Alert flyer has more information about how to keep your pets safe: English (pdf) | Spanish (pdf).

Available Support
If you believe you or your pet have been exposed to a cyanoHAB, OHA staff are available to answer health related questions and to receive and document illness reports. We will also provide you with contact information for our partners who can give you the most up-to-date information about local recreation areas, water quality, and sampling.