Ashraf A Khan
Lee Health System, Florida
Title: Florida Red Tide and Blue Green Algae – Human and animal health & Economic Impact
Biography
Biography: Ashraf A Khan
Abstract
South West Florida red tides are a natural phenomenon caused by dense aggregations of single cell or several species of unicellular organisms. Patches of discolored water, dead or dying fish, and respiratory irritants in the air often characterize these algal blooms. In humans, two distinct clinical entities, depending on the route of exposure, are associated with exposure to the Florida red tide toxins (particularly the brevetoxins).
The two known forms of red tide toxins-associated clinical entities in humans first characterized in Florida are an acute gastroenteritis with neurologic symptoms after ingestion of contaminated shellfish (i.e. NSP) and an apparently reversible upper respiratory syndrome after the inhalation of the aerosols of the dinoflagellate and their toxins. Red Tide Symptoms: IRRITATED EYES AND THROAT, COUGH, RUNNY NOSE TIGHTNESS OF CHEST OR WHEEZING,, SHORTNESS OF BREATH. Blue Green Algae Symptoms: Direct contact with the organism or breathing of toxin, Rash, Stomach cramps, Nausea, Diarrhea , Vomiting, Liver toxicity, Nervous system effects, Irritation of eyes, notes, throat.. Blue Green Algae is Cyanobacteria can live in freshwater, saltwater or brackish water, most blue-green algae do not produce chemicals harmful to humans or animals, some types make natural substances called cyantotoxins. Safety concerns refrain form recreational, Fish caught near the bloom may have high accumulation of cyanotoxins in the organs