Also name as Also name as :

ALGAE BLOOM

RED DEATH

PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING ( PSP I RED TIDE POISONING )

Red tide is caused by a “population explosion” of toxic, naturally occuring microscopic phytoplanktons, specifically a subgroup known as dinoflagellates.

The marine red tide organisms used to be referred as Gonyaulax, Protogonyaulax, Alexandrium, and Gessnerium.

Presently, they are known by the accepted name, Alexandrium species.

1. Alexandrium tamarense are found along the atlantic coast.

2. Alexandrium catenella are found in pacific west coast.

3. Ptychodiscus brevis is present in the gulf of mexico along the west florida coast.

Explosions or “blooms” are coastal phenomena caused by the environmental conditions which promote explosive growth of microorganism.

Factors which are favorable for growth are: 1.Warm surface temperature. 2.High nutrient content. 3.Low salinity and calm seas. 4. Rainy days followed by sunny weather.

1.Quahogs

2.Soft Shell Clamps

3.Oysters

4. Mussels

5.Scallops

6.Moon snail

1. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Paralytic shellfish Poisoning  (PSP) is one of the four recognized syndromes of shellfish poisoning.

Which share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve mollusks. 

such as : mussels, clams, oysters and scallops.

2. Diarrheal Shellfish Poisoning

As the name suggests, this syndrome manifests itself as diarrhea although nausea, vomiting and cramps are all common.

3. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning

Amnesic shellfish Poisoning  (ASP) is a human illness caused by consumption of the marine biotoxin called domoic acid

Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated by breve-toxins

All four syndromes share some common features and are primarily associated with bivalve mollusks , such as mussles, clams, oysters, and scallops. These shellfish are filter feeders, and therefore, accumulate toxins produced by microscopic algae in the form of dinoflagellates and diatoms

Lobster, crabs, shrimps, and fish do not accumalate toxin and safe to eat even if they are from affected water.

Ingestion of shellfish infected with red tide season.

Ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked seafood usually bi-valve shellfish during red tide season.

Varies from about 30minutes to several hours after ingestion of poisonous shellfish.

The patient is induced to vomit.

Charcoal hemoperfusion is a process done by pumping the arterial blood through an activated charcoal filter to remove the poison.

Neurological symptoms include :

sense of numbness around the mouth or facedizzinessparalysis of hands and feetbody weaknessrapid pulse beat difficulty in talking headache

1. All shellfish- producing areas should have monitoring program to test water, sediments and shellfish, for contamination.

2. Dept. of environmental quality engineering (DEQE) is responsible for year-round testing of shellfish and shellfish growing areas.

3. When blooms subside, Shellfish purify themselves of the toxin, and when testing indicates a return to safe levels, The areas are reopened.

4. If accidental ingestion of toxic shellfish is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Recreational shellfish gatherers should look for posted warnings and pay close attention t5o local media announcements.

Hydrophobia Lyssa

Rabies virus causes an acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in all warm-blooded hosts.

RHABDOVIRUS

It is a bullet shaped filterable virus with strong affinity to the CNS.

It is sensitive to sunlight,ultra-violet light,eitheir, formalin,mercury, and nitric acid.The organism is resistant to phenol,merthiolate, and common antibacterial agents

One week to seven and half months in dogs. Ten days to fifteen years in human. Incubation periods depends upon the

following factors:◦a. distance of the bite to the brain.◦b. extensiveness of the bite◦c. species of the animal◦d. Richness of the nerve supply in the area

of the bite.◦e. risistance of the host

An infected animals carries the rabies virus in its saliva and transmits it to man by bitting.

In some cases, the virus spreads when the saliva comes in contact with the person’s

mucus membrane,such as the mouth and eyelids,or broken skin like a cut,scratch,or open wound

Signs and symptoms

The first symptoms of rabies may be non-specific flu- like signs, such as malaise, fever or headache which may last for days.

There may be discomfort or paresthesia at the site of exposure (bite) progressing within days to symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation which eventually progress to delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and insomnia.

Virus isolation from the patient’s saliva or throat.

Flourescent rabies anti-body (FRA) provides the most definitive diagnosis.

Presence of nigri bodies in the dogs brain,

NEGRI BODY

Pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccination Post-exposure prophylaxis If you are exposed to a possible rabid animal:

◦ Wash wound with soap and water◦ Seek medical attention immediately

Be a responsible pet owner◦ Keep vaccinations up to date◦ Keep pets under direct supervision◦ Spay and neuter pets

Enjoy wild animals from far away Don’t adopt wild animals “Love your own, leave others alone” policy