TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In Northwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received in and offshore of Panama City Beach (Bay County). Additionally, concentrations of Red Tide algae in Bay County range from not present to low. Signs will be placed at Tyndall AFB beaches in order to warn of the potential side effects if exposed to the Red Tide.
Red Tide occurs when microscopic marine algae called Karenia brevis (K. brevis) grow quickly, creating blooms that can make the ocean appear red or brown. People often call these blooms “Red Tide.” Karenia brevis produces powerful toxins called brevetoxins, have killed millions of fish and other marine organisms.
In addition to killing fish, brevetoxins can become concentrated in the tissues of shellfish that feed on K. brevis. People who eat these shellfish may suffer from neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, a food poisoning that can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms, such as tingling fingers or toes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people who swim among brevetoxins or inhale brevetoxins dispersed in the air may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additional evidence suggests that people with existing respiratory illness, such as asthma, may experience these symptoms more severely.
For additional information please utilize the following links:
http://myfwc.com/REDTIDESTATUS
https://www.cdc.gov/hab/redtide/pdfs/about.pdf