Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Health Information

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Lake Erie can produce toxins that can pose a risk to drinking water, cause skin irritation, and negatively affect wildlife, pets and livestock.

Effects on Humans

• Contact with skin can cause rash, hives, or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits).
• Inhalation of water droplets can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions
• Ingestion of the water can cause abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, dry cough, diarrhea, blistering around the mouth, and pneumonia.
• What you can do:
  • Contact your healthcare provider OR regional health department.

Effects on Animals

• Ingestion of the water can cause lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale mucous membranes, death.
• What you can do:
  • Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect your pets or livestock have been exposed.

How can you Avoid Exposure?

• Drinking Water
• Health officials conduct routine monitoring to ensure that public drinking water is safe.
• What you can do:
• Follow drinking water advisories and contact your regional health department with questions.

• Recreational Water Safely
• You can still boat and recreate in Lake Erie waters, but be aware that HABs may be present.
• What you can do:
• If you can, plan your trip by checking NOAA's HAB Bulletin before you go.
• Respect any waterbody closures announced by local public health authorities.
• Avoid activities in areas where the water is discolored by algae or scums are visible.
• Thoroughly wash yourself and pets after suspected contact with a HAB.

• Recreational Fishing
• Commercial fish from local restaurants and markets is safe to eat because it is tested for HAB toxins before it is sold.
• What you can do:
• Fillet the meat, thoroughly removing the skin, gills, and guts (which may have accumulated toxins from the HAB).
• Rinse the fillet meat with clean water.
• Thoroughly wash hands after filleting fish.

For Local Health Information

• Ohio Department of Health
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Service

For Information on Blooms or to Report Suspected Blooms

• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality