Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Beginning on Sept. 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home by visiting COVIDTests.gov. Additionally, before you discard any “expired” test kits you have, please check here to see if the expiration dates of your COVID-19 tests have been extended.

Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
 BGA

Blue-green algae blooms have raised concerns in Connecticut and across the nation because these organisms can produce a wide array of neurotoxins, liver toxins, cell toxins and skin irritants.  In still and  warm summer waters, populations of blue green algae may increase to the extent that a normally clear surface can become thick and murky.  This overgrowth is called a “bloom”.  Blooms are considered harmful due to the potential to cause health effects in people and pets over-exposed to these organisms.

 

Facts about Cyanobacteria and Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CDC)

 

For more information, view the following resources:

 

Contact Information:

  • To Report a Bloom:  If you believe that you have observed an algae bloom contact your Local Public Health Department or email the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection deep.algalblooms@ct.gov.
  • If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to cyanobacteria and are having symptoms, contact your doctor or the Connecticut Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.  If you are concerned that your pet may have drunk water with cyanobacteria and is having symptoms, contact your veterinarian.  For other health-related questions, contact the Environmental Health Section’s Public Beach Program at the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) at (860) 936-1125.

 

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