HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a statewide health advisory, warning residents and medical professionals about the potential dangers of harmful algal blooms in recreational water bodies. The advisory, from Secretary of Health Dr. Debra L. Bogen, urged the public to take precautions, especially during the warmer months when the blooms are most common.

Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when naturally present cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, grow out of control in lakes, streams, and other water bodies. The blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

According to the advisory, people can be exposed through direct skin contact while swimming or wading, by drinking contaminated water, or by breathing in droplets containing the toxins. Symptoms of exposure can appear as quickly as 15 minutes to 48 hours after contact and may include headaches, skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and, in severe cases, neurological issues.

“Members of the public should follow all waterbody advisories or closures and stay out of water that is discolored, smells bad, or has the presence of visible foam, algal mats, or a paint-like appearance,” the advisory stated.

The department provided a series of recommendations for the public:

  • Avoid swimming, fishing, or boating in water with suspected algal blooms.
  • Keep pets and livestock away from affected water bodies.
  • Wash your hands and shower after participating in any water activities.
  • Do not drink untreated water from ponds, lakes, or streams.

For healthcare providers, the advisory stressed the importance of assessing patients for potential HAB exposure when they present with compatible symptoms. While there are no clinical diagnostic tests for cyanobacteria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can test for certain toxins in urine or serum samples if collected within 48 hours of symptom onset.

The public can report a suspected harmful algal bloom by completing an online form or by emailing HABs@pa.gov. Anyone who suspects an illness from a HAB exposure should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) or dehe@pa.gov. For additional assistance with illness management, healthcare providers can contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222.