Algal Bloom Health Information Is Inconsistent

By Sophie Landau

Topic: Algal Blooms

Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 6:11am

Kirsty Whitehead and her son Jackson Baker felt the effects of the algal bloom in Victor Harbor.

In short:

A disability advocate says algal bloom health information was inaccessible and inconsistent.

Volunteer experts surveyed over 200 people who reported symptoms beyond the government's health advice.

What's next?

SA Health is studying algal bloom-related hospitalizations.

Jackson Baker, an asthmatic, was coughing a lot every day during the algal bloom.

The algal bloom was first detected in March 2025 and spread across the state's coast.

The bloom caused discolored foam and water on beaches, and airborne particles that can cause flu-like symptoms.

The bloom stopped Jackson from swimming, fishing, and whale watching, which affected his mental health.

Jackson was coughing less when Karenia counts were low near his home, but he was still scared of the beach.

Jackson said he didn't feel comfortable swimming in the beach after the algal bloom.

Kirsty Whitehead said she found the health advice about the algal bloom inaccessible and inconsistent.

Kirsty loves boogie boarding but hasn't done it since the algal bloom.

Questions about advice and information

Jackson has a genetic condition, an intellectual disability, and other health conditions.

Kirsty and Jackson said public health information about the bloom was inaccessible.

Kirsty said there was a gap in inclusive information, such as easy read formats, for people with cognitive issues.

Kirsty said the health advice didn't reflect the realities locals were experiencing.

The SA government's easy read format presents information in plain language and short sentences.

Kirsty claimed she couldn't find an easy read version of health information until January 2026.

SA Health said tailored communications materials take longer to publish to ensure accuracy.

Kirsty said health advice was inconsistent with the experiences of the local community.

SA Health initially said algal particles could cause skin and eye irritation, cough, and shortness of breath.

Dead octopuses washed up on Basham Beach near Victor Harbor.

The advice was updated for people with asthma to carry their reliever medication.

Kirsty and Jackson experienced headaches during the algal bloom, which wasn't listed in official health advice.

Kirsty said the messaging was inconsistent and unclear.

Kirsty said the government would say everything was fine, but it wasn't.

Health survey conducted by volunteers

A group of volunteer experts created The Algal Bloom Shed to collect health data.

Jacqueline Stephens said there was nowhere for South Australians to report their symptoms.

The group wanted to collect human and pet symptoms not captured in other healthcare settings.

Epidemiologist Jacqueline Stephens said there was public concern about potential health impacts.

People wanted to report their symptoms but had nowhere to do so.

The Shed opened an anonymous survey online and received 235 submissions for humans and 26 for pets.

Most respondents had a scratchy cough, sore throat, and headache.

The survey recorded when and where people experienced symptoms, mostly from metropolitan Adelaide beaches.

Dr. Stephens said the symptoms were low-grade and transient, similar to algal blooms overseas.

Dr. Stephens acknowledged some people could have more serious responses and advised them to seek medical attention.

Dr. Stephens said they can't say for certain that the symptoms were caused by the algal bloom.

Jacqueline Stephens said they can't say for certain that the symptoms were caused by the algal bloom.

One in three respondents sought medical attention, including pharmacy assistance and over-the-counter medication.

Gastrointestinal-related symptoms were not significant enough to be included in The Shed's preliminary findings.

The advice for pets was to keep them out of the water when there is foam present.

SA chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said their advice was evidence-based.

Nicola Spurrier said SA Health advice doesn't include survey participant experiences due to non-specific symptoms.

Professor Spurrier said there could be many causes for general symptoms like headaches and nausea.

Any analyses need to control for other relevant data that could explain such symptoms.

Dr. Stephens said The Shed hopes to expand data collection and speak with participants for more information.

Professor Spurrier revealed SA Health would study algal bloom-related hospitalizations in March 2026.

Dead garfish were found in waters off South Australia's coast during the algal bloom.

The study received ethics approval and is extracting and reviewing de-identified data from the state's medical records system.

The study will take months to cross-reference medical presentation data with weather conditions and other factors.

Nicola Spurrier announced SA Health would study algal bloom-related hospitalizations earlier this year.

There is no indication of an increase in presentations to emergency departments or hospitalizations due to the bloom.

Dr. Stephens said The Shed is working with the SA government, reporting findings to assist with decision-making.

The Shed wants to put learnings in place for if and when the algal bloom re-emerges.

Jackson's journey continues

Jackson is working to feel more comfortable at the beach with his family's help.

Jackson's mother said it's challenging to get information through to him that it's safe due to his intellectual disability.

Jackson spoke to ABC News at the beach, eager to spot whales.

Jackson said he saw a splash and wanted to spot one of the whales hanging out in the Harbor.

Jackson hasn't boogie boarded since the algal bloom began.

Kirsty said it's an ongoing hurdle to balance the reality of the algal bloom's impact without evoking alarm.

The government needs to be aware of differing people in the community, including those with intellectual disabilities.

The government should minimize the impacts of the algal bloom on health and look at long-term effects.

Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 6:11am

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