Along with Delaware, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia, experts in South Carolina have been charged to use the funding to track the human health effects posed by the toxic marine alga Pfiesteria piscicida and perhaps several other dinoflagellate species that look like Pfiesteria . The grants were awarded in part due to recent outbreaks of Pfiesteria along the East Coast linked to fish kills and some human illness.
Most toxic algae reach people through contaminated seafood.
The CDC and southeastern state researchers have linked exposure by watermen to estuarine waters laden with Pfiesteria to symptoms that include confusion, memory loss, learning disorders, skin rashes, and respiratory irritation. The final report noted only two minor recommendations for change. Researchers at USC have confirmed that Pfiesteria piscicida and at least one closely related dinoflagellate species are present in South Carolina's estuarine waters. Although no Pfiesteria blooms or confirmed cases of PEAS have been reported in the state, awareness and vigilance is needed. The South Carolina coastal zone is projected to experience rapid development and significant population growth over the next several decades.