What is Pfiesteria?
Pfiesteria piscicida is a free-swimming, single-celled organism that’s been linked to fish kills in the Bay region, as well as in other areas along the East Coast. Under certain conditions, this organism can reach toxic levels and may cause lesions on fish. Prolonged human exposure to an active outbreak of Pfiesteria may result in significant, but temporary, health impacts, including short-term memory problems and respiratory difficulties. Officials in Maryland and Virginia are monitoring waters for any future outbreaks while research on this organism continues. For more on Pfiesteria, click here.
