RICHMOND—A dense, annual-blooming marine algae species is causing a “red tide” in the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Rappahannock River and elsewhere. Health officials say the bloom is not harmful to people; however, the dense algae cells may cause skin irritation.
The Virginia Department of Health advises people and pets to avoid contact with bloom water. If exposure cannot be avoided, rinse with clean, fresh water. The algae can produce toxins harmful to fish and the bloom may indirectly cause fish kills as a result of lower dissolved oxygen in….
