llness Associated with Red Tide --- Nassau County, Florida, 2007. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report [MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep] Journal article | | Title | llness Associated with Red Tide --- Nassau County, Florida, 2007. | | Author(s) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | | Source | MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2008 Jul 4; 57(26):717-720. | | Abstract | A "red tide" is a harmful algal bloom that occurs when toxic, microscopic algae in seawater proliferate to a higher-than-normal concentration (i.e., bloom), often discoloring the water red, brown, green, or yellow. Red tides can kill fish, birds, and marine mammals and cause illness in humans. Florida red tide is caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces toxins called brevetoxins and is most commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico; however, K. brevis blooms also can occur along the Atlantic coast. On September 25, 2007, a cluster of respiratory illnesses was reported to the Nassau County Health Department (NCHD) in northeastern Florida. All of the ill persons were employed at a beach restoration worksite by a dredging company operating at Fernandina Beach; they reported symptoms of eye or respiratory irritation (e.g., coughing, sneezing, sniffling, and throat irritation). NCHD and the Florida Department of Health promptly conducted epidemiologic and environmental investigations and determined the illnesses likely were associated with exposure to a red tide along the Atlantic coast. These actions highlight the importance of rapid investigation of health concerns with potential environmental causes to enable timely notification of the public and prevent further illness. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 18600196 |
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