Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom-related Illness Tracking in California

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What are freshwater harmful algal bloom (HAB)-related illnesses?

When cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) and algae in freshwater and estuarine waterbodies occur at levels that pose a risk to humans, animals, and the environment, they are referred to as freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs). Humans and animals can become sick after ingesting or contacting cyanobacteria, water contaminated with cyanotoxins, or algal mats. Cyanotoxins may also accumulate in fish and shellfish. Signs and symptoms can vary widely, may occur within minutes or days following HAB exposure, and may include:

  • irritation of skin, ears, eyes, nose, or throat
  • abnormal breathing (coughing, wheezing, asthma-like symptoms)
  • vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • headaches, agitation, weakness
  • seizures and death (in animals)
HAB Symptoms

How can I report a HAB-related illness?

Please report any suspected HAB or potential HAB-related illness by any of these methods: 

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How can I protect myself, my family, and my pets from freshwater HAB-related illness?

Who is tracking HAB-related illnesses in California?

The Interagency HAB-related Illness Workgroup investigates and tracks potential HAB-related illnesses in humans and animals throughout California. The workgroup includes staff from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). All potential illness reports submitted to the workgroup are evaluated based on the available environmental and health-related information. California implements the Voluntary Guidance for Response to HABs in Recreational Inland Waters for freshwater and estuarine HABs and may include sample analysis for the most commonly occurring cyanotoxins (anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin, microcystins, and saxitoxin), when appropriate. The number of illnesses considered HAB-related are included in the final summaries (as noted below). Much of the information presented on this web page is also available as a one-page freshwater HAB illness tracking factsheet.

This workgroup also investigates and tracks marine HAB-related illnesses in California. For more information on marine HABs and how to report a potentially related human or animal illness, see OEHHA’s webpage on marine HAB-related illnesses.

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How many freshwater HAB-related illnesses have been reported for California?

From 2018 to 2023, the workgroup reported 158 freshwater HAB-related human and animal illnesses for California to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS). A summary of HAB-related illnesses reported by year is provided in the figure below. No livestock incidents have been reported to date.

HAB-related illnesses reported in California 2018 through 2023

Figure 1. Freshwater illnesses reported as HAB-related to OHHABS from 2018 – 2023. Number represents individuals, except when submitted as group, such as for fish or wildlife illness events.

In which counties did these reported freshwater HAB-related illnesses occur?

The maps below display the counties in which freshwater HAB-related illnesses for California (reported to OHHABS) have occurred for previously reported years combined (2018-2022) and for 2023. Illnesses are grouped by human-only, human and animal (domestic or wild), or animal only. A more table with cumulative HAB-related illnesses in humans and animals, by county, is also available.

California map of HAB-related Illnesses from 2018 through 2022

Figure 2. Maps of freshwater HAB-related illnesses (reported to OHHABS) by county for 2018-2022 combined (left) and 2023 (right).

During what times of year have freshwater HAB-related illnesses been reported?

HAB-related illnesses have been reported during most months of the year, with higher numbers throughout the summer months (Figure 3). These seasonal trends may represent a combination of an increased likelihood of HAB events and higher levels of recreational activities in or near water bodies during the summer. Practicing healthy water habits is recommended year-round since some water bodies have reported HABs during all times of the year.

Reported human and animal HAB-related illnesses by exposure month from 2018-2022

Figure 3. Reported human and animal HAB-related illnesses by exposure month (2018-2023). Number represents individuals, except when submitted as group, such as for fish or wildlife illness events.

How are HAB-related illnesses being tracked across the United States?

The CDC’s OHHABS is a voluntary reporting system available to state and territorial public health departments and their designated environmental health or animal health partners. It collects data on individual human and animal cases of illnesses from HAB-associated exposures, as well as environmental data about HABs. OHHABS is an example of One Health surveillance. One Health is an approach that recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, and that human health, animal health, and environmental health communities can more effectively address many linked health challenges by working together.


For more information on freshwater and estuarine HABs:

(04/22/2024)