VDH Raises Awareness of Chesapeake Bay and Tributaries Red Tide

Virginia Residents Advised of Algae Bloom that May Kill Fish

RICHMOND, Va. – A dense, annual-blooming marine algae species is causing discolored water called a “red tide” in the Chesapeake Bay off the coast of the Eastern Shore in Northampton and Accomack Counties. This bloom is also currently found at the mouth of the Rappahannock. It is likely to bloom in the York and James Rivers to the south. This bloom is not harmful to people; however, the dense algae cells may cause skin irritation.

VDH advises people and pets to avoid contact with bloom water. If exposure cannot be avoided, rinse with clean, fresh water. The algae can produce toxins harmful to fish and the bloom may indirectly cause fish kills as a result of lower dissolved oxygen in the water. Alexandirum monilatum is the dominant algae present. It may bioluminesce or glow at night and cause the water to smell. There are no concerns related to harvesting and consuming fish or shellfish exposed to these algae. The toxins are only known to impact the fish themselves.

The VDH Harmful Algal Bloom dashboard is being updated with data on the bloom, its whereabouts, and densities. You may report bloom observations with a photo to the VDH Online HAB Report Form. Report fish kills to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on the myDEQ Portal. Report suspected HAB-related human health effects to the HAB Hotline 888-238-6154or to your local health department’s epidemiologist.

To stay safe while recreating in natural waters, people should:

●      Avoid any area of the water body where water has a foul odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.

●      Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.

●      Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.

●      Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.

●      When harvesting fish, discard skin, organs, cook the meat to proper temperature, and clean cutting boards and cutting implements with warm soapy water.

For more information on recreational water safety, visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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Wayne Creed

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