Version 1
: Received: 5 October 2023 / Approved: 6 October 2023 / Online: 6 October 2023 (09:07:35 CEST)
Version 2
: Received: 15 November 2023 / Approved: 16 November 2023 / Online: 16 November 2023 (14:30:35 CET)
French, B.W.; Kaul, R.; George, J.; Haller, S.T.; Kennedy, D.J.; Mukundan, D. A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio. Infect. Dis. Rep.2023, 15, 726-734.
French, B.W.; Kaul, R.; George, J.; Haller, S.T.; Kennedy, D.J.; Mukundan, D. A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio. Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15, 726-734.
French, B.W.; Kaul, R.; George, J.; Haller, S.T.; Kennedy, D.J.; Mukundan, D. A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio. Infect. Dis. Rep.2023, 15, 726-734.
French, B.W.; Kaul, R.; George, J.; Haller, S.T.; Kennedy, D.J.; Mukundan, D. A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio. Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15, 726-734.
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are increasing in prevalence and severity globally and locally in the Great Lakes region. CyanoHABs have the potential to produce serious adverse human health effects due to the production of cyanotoxins from cyanobacteria. Common routes of exposure include recreational exposure (swimming, skiing, and boating), ingestion, and aerosolization of contaminated water sources. Cyanotoxins have been shown to adversely affect several major organ systems contributing to hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and pulmonary inflammation. We present three pediatric case-reports that coincided with CyanoHABs exposure with a focus on presentation of illness, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of CyanoHAB-related illnesses. Potential cyanotoxin exposure occurred while swimming in the Maumee River and Maumee State Park in Northwest OH during the Summer months which coincide with peak CyanoHAB activity. Primary symptoms included generalized macular rash, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe respiratory distress. Significant labs included leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. All patients ultimately recovered with supportive care. Symptoms following potential cyanotoxin exposure coincide with multiple disease states representing an urgent need to develop specific diagnostic tests of exposure.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public, Environmental and Occupational Health
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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