GPs have reported an increase in patients with a range of health issues related to an unusual source: toxic algae.

Over the past couple of months, doctors along the SA coast say they have seen a rise in respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, asthma, rashes and gastrointestinal problems among patients. 

The suggestion is that they have been exposed to the algal bloom affecting hundreds of kilometres of coastline, killing sea life and triggering allergic reactions.

It was identified in late March as Karenia mikimotoi.