The Role of Cyano-HAB (Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms) in the One Health Approach to Global Health

Harmful algal bloom events occur in salt, brackish, and fresh water. In bodies of water such as oceans and estuaries, diatoms or dinoflagellates form “tides” that produce toxins associated with seafood poisoning, including paralytic shellfish poisoning, or respiratory distress from inhalation of aerosolized toxins. Cyanobacteria predominantly bloom in fresh water; they can produce microcystins; cylindrospermopsin; and other toxins that humans or animals might be exposed to through water contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Animals that become ill or die can be sentinels for harmful algal bloom events. In a One Health approach, information about harmful algal bloom exposures and health effects support efforts to detect these events and mitigate and prevent associated illnesses. Human, animal, and environmental health partners can work together to document the occurrence and impacts of harmful algal bloom events and characterize associated illnesses.