What to know
CDC has developed sample social media messages and graphics for health departments, environmental health professionals, and the public to use on their social media channels to increase awareness about harmful algae and cyanobacteria (sometimes called blue-green algae).
Get the facts about harmful algae and cyanobacteria
Share the below prevention messages online or on social media.
Harmful algae and cyanobacteria can make toxins that hurt people, animals, and the environment. Learn what they are and how to avoid them.
Do you know how to spot a bloom of harmful algae or cyanobacteria? Blooms can look like foam or scum on the surface of water. They can also be different colors, like green, blue, red, or brown. Don’t go into water with a harmful bloom.
Does the water look scummy or discolored, or smell like rotting plants? These could be signs of harmful algae or cyanobacteria, which can harm you and your pets.
Blooms of harmful algae and cyanobacteria occur across the world. Harmful algae and cyanobacteria can grow in fresh water, salt water, and brackish water (a mixture of fresh and salt water).
Learn the signs of illness
Share the below prevention messages online or on social media.
Toxins from harmful algae or cyanobacteria can make people sick if they swallow, touch, or breathe in droplets from contaminated water. Learn the common signs and symptoms.
Breathing in airborne droplets or mist that contain toxins from red tides in the Gulf of Mexico can cause your eyes to burn or make you cough and sneeze. Check for red tide advisories from your state or local government before visiting the ocean or coast.
Eating fish or shellfish from water with a harmful algal bloom can make you sick. Check for local advisories before fishing or collecting shellfish.
Protect your pets and livestock
Share the below prevention messages online or on social media.
Do not let your pets swim in, play in, or drink water that looks discolored or has foam or scum on the surface. These could be signs of harmful algae or cyanobacteria, which can be deadly for pets.
If your pet gets into scummy or discolored water, rinse them off with tap water right away and don’t let them lick their fur. Algal and cyanobacterial toxins could be in the water. Call a vet right away if your pet seems sick.
Do you own livestock, such as cows or sheep? Keep livestock away from scummy or discolored water. Water that contains cyanobacterial toxins can be deadly for animals.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can be deadly for dogs if they swallow contaminated water. When visiting lakes and streams, keep your pets safe by bringing plenty of water for them to drink and not letting them eat algae.
Understand the environmental connection
Share the below prevention messages online or on social media.
Toxins from harmful algae or cyanobacteria can make people sick if they swallow, touch, or breathe in droplets from contaminated water. Learn the common signs and symptoms.
Eating fish or shellfish from water with a harmful algal bloom can make you sick. Check for local advisories before fishing or collecting shellfish.
Breathing in airborne droplets or mist that contain toxins from red tides in the Gulf of Mexico can cause your eyes to burn or make you cough and sneeze. Check for red tide advisories from your state or local government before visiting the ocean or coast.
Take steps to prevent illness
Share the below prevention messages online or on social media.
Headed to the lake or beach this weekend? Look for swimming advisories and water quality notices online or near the water before visiting.
Before swimming, boating, or fishing, learn tips to help you spot harmful algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Avoid getting sick by staying out of water with these signs.
Check for and follow local shellfish and fish advisories before eating any fish or shellfish you collect yourself. Algal and cyanobacterial toxins in fish or shellfish have no taste or odor.
When in doubt, stay out! You can’t tell for sure if an algal or cyanobacterial bloom is harmful just by looking at it. Protect yourself and your pets by not swimming in bodies of water that smell bad or look discolored.
Harmful algal blooms and your health
Watch and share CDC’s harmful algal blooms and health video about how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from harmful algal blooms.
- Share the below prevention messages using CDC'S new video online or on social media.
- Harmful algal blooms can make you, your family, and your pet's sick. Watch and share.
- Harmful algal blooms grow in bodies of water throughout the United States. They are happening more often, in part due to rising temperatures.
- Avoid getting sick by following water advisories and staying out of scummy, stinky, or discolored water.
- Call a doctor or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you get sick after going in or near water.
- For a sick pet, call a veterinarian right away. Dogs can get very sick and die within hours of drinking or going in water with a harmful algal bloom.
- Harmful algal blooms can make you, your family, and your pet's sick. Watch and share.