The Effect of Harmful Algal Blooms on COVID-19 Patient Outcomes in Florida

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in coastal and inland waterbodies release toxins which are known to have negative effects on local ecology and public health. Toxins released by Karenia Brevis and other phytoplankton are known to cause fatigue, muscle aches, neurological and respiratory illness in humans after exposure, which match those of COVID-19. A relationship between HABs and COVID virality could help explain the seasonality and unique symptoms in COVID-infections. COVID infection, hospitalization, and ICU usage data in the state of Florida were compared with instances of K. brevis blooms on a state and county basis. Results of correlation analysis indicate that blooms potentially correlated with increased hospitalizations compared to infections on a state-level. County level analysis was inconclusive. Due to broadness and complexity of subject, further investigation is necessary to fully understand how HABs and coastal ecology affect public health and virality of infectious disease.