CASE STUDY: Communicating Health Warnings About ‘Red Tide’
In August 2000, the Washington State Department of Health issued a public health
warning about a potentially deadly disease transmitted by shellfish: Paralytic Shellfish
Poisoning (PSP) or “red tide.” A person who eats shellfish with high PSP becomes ill
within minutes of eating. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, muscular paralysis and
death. Toxic red algae (hence the name “red tide”) is the source of the problem, which is
becoming increasingly common in the Puget Sound and on the Pacific coast.
In September 2000, the state health department issued another warning and closed
beaches in several counties to shellfish harvesting. Nine people were hospitalized with
symptoms of PSP – seven of them were Cambodian immigrants.
GROUP 1 Mission:
1. Who needs to know or understand the dangers of PSP? Brainstorm target audiences
that need to be part of your communication plan and list them on the flip chart.
2. Whose advice or support do you need? Brainstorm possible partners – community
organizations, local and/or state agencies that may be able to help reach these
audiences.
- Kate Lynch, Washington State Department of Health – May 23, 2006
kate.lynch@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-3964
CASE STUDY: Communicating Health Warnings About ‘Red Tide’
In August 2000, the Washington State Department of Health issued a public health
warning about a potentially deadly disease transmitted by shellfish: Paralytic Shellfish
Poisoning (PSP) or “red tide.” A person who eats shellfish with high PSP becomes ill
within minutes of eating. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, muscular paralysis and
death. Toxic red algae (hence the name “red tide”) is the source of the problem, which is
becoming increasingly common in the Puget Sound and on the Pacific coast.
In September 2000, the state health department issued another warning and closed
beaches in several counties to shellfish harvesting. Nine people were hospitalized with
symptoms of PSP – seven of them were Cambodian immigrants.
GROUP 2 Mission:
1.
What do you want the target audiences to know? Brainstorm key messages that are
clear and easy to understand.
2.
What about audiences that do not speak English or have limited understanding of
English? Brainstorm a possible strategy (or more, if you have time) to reach these
audiences. For this exercise, focus just on Cambodian immigrants.
Additional Information for Group 2
1. Many Cambodians cannot read or understand shellfish warning signs posted by the
health department. The health department posts signs in several languages at affected
beaches.
2. Many Cambodians watch television.
3. There are no limits on shellfish harvests and no government health warnings in
Cambodia.
4. Most Cambodians are unfamiliar with red tide because it is uncommon in their native
country.
5. In Cambodia, beaches that are posted with “Keep Off” signs are usually posted by
rich people who want to keep shellfish for themselves.
- Kate Lynch, Washington State Department of Health – May 23, 2006
kate.lynch@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-3964