Health advise to locals amid algal bloom

crisis

October 2025 Authorities have told a group of residents living near a metropolitan Adelaide beach to close their doors and windows to prevent symptoms related to South Australia’s ongoing algal bloom. Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier told a press conference on Thursday that she had spoken to residents at Henley Beach who “can’t move away from the beach” about actions they could take to avoid feeling the impact of algae aerosols. She said everyone was in a “slightly different situation” and ruled out further changes to health advice as she addressed journalists at the weekly algal bloom task force update. “Surfers totally addicted to surfing, they’re not going to stay out of the water … they’re going to be totally fine and wash it off and go back in tomorrow,” Professor Spurrier said. “Some of the other groups of people we’ve been talking to, I had a good conversation with some local residents at Henley, they can’t move away from the beach … their house is there. “We’ve given additional advice to those people about keeping the windows and doors closed, particularly if there’s an onshore breeze.” Speaking to ABC last week, a SA Health spokesperson said “from time to time” strong winds and wave action may cause people living near affected beaches to experience eye, skin or respiratory symptoms. “If this happens, stay indoors with windows closed until conditions change or symptoms resolve,” it said in a statement. “Some people may find using an air purifier to be helpful.” Professor Spurrier said SA Health had provided standard advice “that you would if there’s another allergen in the air” such as irritants like pollen. “We’ve given out exactly what needs to be done,” she said. Some locals living along the state’s coastal regions have been reporting flu-like symptoms since the harmful algal bloom was first detected in March. Large amounts of foam washed up last week in Adelaide’s south, including at Port Noarlunga, covering the shore and shocking beachgoers. Premier Peter Malinauskas warned the metropolitan coastline was currently “most adversely affected” by the bloom and made note of the impact along southern beaches. He said onshore winds were expected to whip up more foam in the coming days. “It is most likely we will see a strong presence of foam on many of our metropolitan beaches, and that is worthy of people being conscious of,” Mr Malinauskas said. Authorities said there was still no intention to close impacted beaches as the state government committed to releasing summer management plans by next month. Professor Spurrier instead encouraged people to make informed decisions about going to the beach, noting it was a “dynamic situation” which was constantly changing.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia