News

Summer is often a time for picnics, ballgames, and backyard fun. But it’s also when algae and cyanobacteria are more likely to overgrow in rivers, lakes, and oceans, resulting in harmful algal blooms (HABs).

HABs are a One Health issue because they can produce poisons that are dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. HABs can contaminate the environment, drinking water, recreational water, and food. Exposure to HAB toxins through water, food, or air may cause a range of mild to severe symptoms in both humans and animals.

CDC and partners are working to learn more about HABs and how to prevent and control the illnesses they can cause.

Updated health promotion materials are now available from CDC to help raise awareness about HABs this summer:

• Social Media Library
• Buttons and Graphics
• Partner Toolkit
• Harmful Algal Blooms Feature
• CDC at Work