HAB Webpage, Surveillance Map & General Information

It is the official VDH-DEE-HAB website. It contains information and resources related to the Harmful Algal Bloom Program.

It reflects the status of algae blooms during HAB season (March-November), as well as the results of algae bloom samples. The map is updated weekly or as needed year around.

The form provides an option for online HAB report submittal. It can be utilized by the publics and environmental health professionals. It provides an easy way for the primary task force members to communicate HAB reports received by them with one another and to request assistance.

Example of a bloom webpage for featuring a bloom of significance and a link to the FAQs. These pages facilitate public outreach during bloom events.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-alexandrium-monilatum

The response plan is intended as a brief, public-facing document which articulates the function, roles, and responsibilities of the primary taskforce agencies and expectations on services provided by each during HAB events.

Harmful Algal Blooms and other Organisms of Concern in Coastal Waters

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Algal Blooms: Information for Virginia’s Working Waterfront 

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2016/04/HABsBrochure.pdf

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2016/02/Cyanobacteria_Bro.pdf

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2018/05/HAB-FAQ-for-Watermen-2018_update.pdf

Poison Control Centers may be engauged to utilize HAB talking points and specific waterbody-bloom information to the public during bloom events

  Epidemiology Resources & Information

The flow chart is intended to serve as a job aide for VDH staff for the coordinating, reporting, and investigating of HAB events.

Is intended to facilitate the investigation of a reported waterborne exposure, such that the local health district can more easily determine whether or not the more comprehensive OHHABS human report form is necessary.

The newly launched OHHABS system provides a database for collecting and storing environmental, animal, and human HAB exposure information.

*OHHABS- Human Form and Guidance

May be utilized by Epi Staff when one or more exposures are reported

Event and Case Definitions

Tables offer definition of HAB event and human HAB associated case.

http://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/ohhabs-human-form.pdf   and

https://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/ohhabs-human-form-guidance.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/ohhabs-case-and-event-definitions-table-3-14-17.pdf

  Resources for Environmental Health Specialists

This document supports decision-making by public health & environmental officials in response to the occurrence of a Microcystis algal bloom in Virginia’s waters.

Press Releases

Template press releases for issuing or lifting recreational advisories.

HAB Signs

Signs for raising HAB-awareness  and posting HAB-affected waterways.

EPA – Template Social Media Posts

Issuing an advisory

Lifting an advisory

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/hab-recreational-awareness-advisory-signs/.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/social-media-issue-advisory.docx

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/social-media-lift-advisory.docx

This document explains the safety procedures, supplies, collection, and shipping steps necessary for HAB water samples.

  HAB Training

Note – for each viewing, you’ll need to complete a course evaluation.

Presentation PDFs

Training Agenda

Need a TRAIN Account?

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2017/08/HAB-101-training_2017_onepdf.pdf

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2017/08/HAB-Training-Agenda-Final.pdf