Florida algae crisis: Lee Health sees sharp rise in possible algae cases

Lee Health’s hospitals and clinics saw a sharp rise last month in patients reporting symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic algae, data show.

But the organization’s top infectious disease specialist told the Lee Health's governing board Thursday that it's unclear if the numbers — 53 cases in August, compared with seven in July — are largely the result of algae, a cold virus going around or an over-reaction by tourists fed a steady diet of media reports on the environmental disaster.

Dr. Mary Beth Saunders, Lee Health's director of epidemiology, also said longtime residents are used to such conditions and likely haven't reported their exposure to doctors.

"It is an emerging public health problem this season in our area, but we know that we've dealt with algae blooms for many, many years. Some years are better than others," she told board members. "But we know, for our local community, it's probably under-reported."

The vast majority of patients reporting algae-related symptoms to Lee Health last month showed up at its primary care and urgent care clinics, according to Lee Health figures. Four additional cases were reported in hospital emergency rooms.

No such cases were reported this time last year.

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Scientists say exposure to toxic algae can result in serious health problems, including liver disease, respiratory difficulties and neurological problems. Some have even suggested, though it is not proven, that prolonged exposure is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Lou Gehrig's disease.

Given the extent of this year's algae blooms, some board members said the hospital system should do more to research the risks associated with exposure and be more aggressive in educating the public about it.

"This is a problem. I’ve lived here since 1984, and this is getting worse and worse and worse," board member David Collins said. "I personally think we have some sort of responsibility as a health care organization to at least be publicizing this to our community."

Collins and others pointed to the approach taken by the Stuart-based Martin Health System, which has begun screening all patients for exposure to blue-green algae and added an informational page to its website about the risks associated with it.

Board member Therese Everly suggested a similar screening program that could provide information for local and state health agencies trying to determine the health effects of the algae. 

"If you come in with (gastrointestinal) or respiratory symptoms, say, 'Have you had any exposure?' Because that would allow us to collect the data," Everly said. "Because we are the No. 1 (health care) access."

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @FrankGluck.

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