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Information for Physicians and Healthcare Providers

Signs of Cyanotoxin Poisoning

Acute signs of cyanotoxin poisoning may occur immediately or within hours of exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom. If exposure occurs, immediately wash the affected area with clean water and soap and monitor for signs of cyanotoxin poisoning.

Signs of Cyanotoxin Poisoning Can Include:

Rash
Itching
Lung irritation
Upset stomach
Headache
Lethargy (loss of energy, tiredness)
Elevated liver enzymes
Unexplained sickness after exposure

Diagnosis

If signs of illness occur within 24 hours of swimming or recreating in a natural waterbody, consider cyanotoxin exposure. Take into account: when symptoms first appeared, when and how exposure may have occurred, the condition of the waterbody, and if signage was posted near the waterbody. Check the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Harmful Algal Bloom Dashboard to see if any blooms were reported.

Report Illness

Report all suspected cases of cyanotoxin poisoning to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and to the local health department. IDPH submits reports of suspected cyanotoxin poisoning to the One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS).

Exposure to Toxins

Possible routes of exposure include direct skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion of affected water or scums. Ingestion may be accidental, such as swallowing water while swimming, or intentional. Direct skin exposure can occur by swimming, wading, or boating in waterbodies experiencing a bloom event. Skin contact may also occur when handling animals that have been exposed to contaminated water. If exposure occurs, immediately wash the affected area with clean water and soap. Inhalation of toxins may occur by breathing in water droplets while participating in motorized water-recreation.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in aquatic ecosystems. Under normal conditions cyanobacteria cannot be seen with the naked eye; but when they reproduce rapidly, they can cause visible scums, known as blooms, on or just below the surface of the water. Blooms may appear as green swirls, floating blobs, dried crusts, foam, or spilled paint. Scums can be moved around by wind or waves and accumulate on shorelines or beaches, areas where humans often recreate. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals if exposure occurs.