Connecticut State Department of Public Health

The Federal Government has reopened COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Please visit COVIDtests.gov for your free test.

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.

 

Circular Letters: