Pfiesteria piscida which is a type of alga is a tiny microorganism appears naturally in estuaries and rivers where fresh water and salt water mix. They feed harmlessly on bacteria and other algae. In some conditions such as presence of high nutrient levels and large schools of fish, these organisms multiply which results in the production of toxins. These toxins then mix with water and at times with the air. This results in the risk of people inhaling the toxins or absorbing them through their skin. It is not contagious and people cannot catch it like a disease.

These toxins can cause dizziness, headaches, skin lesions or sores, burning sensation on the eyes and short term memory loss to people working with the toxins inside a laboratory. These toxins might also affect people outdoors if they come in contact with water or fish when Pfiesteria is active. The degree of adverse health effects depends upon the length and intensity of exposure to chemicals. In all the cases it has been found out that the symptoms disappeared within six months.

Pfiesteria causes problems between the months of April and October. The organism can be found in places where fresh waters and salt waters mix such as estuaries and rivers near the coast. In order to prevent from getting ill one should avoid getting into waters that have been closed because of fish kills.

It is a complicated organism which has around two dozen life cycles. In a number of stages it has been found out to produce neurotoxins and attack fishes. This organism has been traced as far north as Delaware Bay and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico.

People should avoid taking a swim or recreate in waters where fishes have been found to be dead or are dying or have developed sores. Research is being undertaken in order to find out whether this organism affects seafood or not and until the research produces concrete results one should avoid eating seafood with peeled skin or bleeding sores. As of now it is a cause of concern but is not a cause for panic or alarm.

Cause

It is caused by a type of alga called Pfiesteria piscida which produces toxins and causes problems in both aquatic life and human beings.

Symptoms

The symptoms include loss of memory, disorientation, skin lesions, blurred vision, eyes getting reddened and cognitive impairment.

Treatment

Research is being undertaken in order to further explain the nature, extent and duration of any Pfiesteria related effects on the human health.