GP role in monitoring algal impacts
GPs are playing an important role in monitoring the effects of South Australia's algal bloom.
With summer bringing hot weather and travel, the health impacts of the algal bloom continue to be a matter of concern for all South Australian GPs. Sore throats, eye and skin conditions, and asthma and breathing difficulties, as well as the ramifications on mental health, have led many GPs to seek evidence of the effects and data to demonstrate the scale of the issue.
The South Australian Government advice is to avoid ‘abnormal’ or ‘foamy’ water, and seek medical advice if people suffer from irritation after visiting the beach. Resources are available here.
In addition, a new website has been established to collect evidence of the impacts. Bloomin’ Algae is a volunteer group of researchers aiming to pull together and regularly update data and information about the algal bloom. GPs may wish to suggest that patients report their symptoms on the ‘reporting portal’, and may also find the Library resources helpful.
Please let us know if the matter is of concern to the health of people in your area. As we look towards the election in March, this is an issue that can have consequences to the future of the state.
