Health officials issue red tide warning for Alabama Gulf Coast
- Dec 12, 2015
- 2 min read
MOBILE, AL (WALA) -
The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning the public that water samples collected from Florida Point to Fort Morgan in Baldwin County, Mobile Bay, Weeks Bay, Bayou La Batre and Mississippi Sound indicate the presence of red tide cells.
People with respiratory problems or those experiencing symptoms of nose, throat or eye irritation should avoid any mist generated by these waters, their warning states.
As well, fish kills are possible in this area because of red tide.
Red tide results from a massive build-up of certain species of microscopic sea organisms known as dinoflagellates, according to the state health department. These organisms produce a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish so they are paralyzed and cannot breathe. At high concentrations, the organisms may produce a discoloration of the water.
Red tides are often referred to as “blooms.” The species (Karenia brevis), isolated from waters along the Gulf Coast, may produce toxins that also cause skin irritation and respiratory problems in humans.
Health Department officials advise:
-- Avoid the area if you are susceptible to respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema.
-- Leave the water if you experience skin irritations while swimming or boating and rinse immediately with fresh water.
-- If you experience nose, throat or eye irritation when exposed to the gulf mist, avoid the mist.
-- Do not eat fish from the red tide-affected area that are lethargic, swim in circles or appear unhealthy.
The Alabama Department of Public Health reports it will continue to monitor gulf and bay waters for the presence of red tide cells. Unfortunately, the presence of red tide cannot be predicted to be at a certain location at a certain time, the department adcises. The effects depend on many variables such as temperature, salinity, direction of the wind, and how concentrated the organisms are at a given location.
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