DOH-Lee issues blue-green algae bloom alerts
On June 29, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Caloosahatchee River-Jaycee Park, Caloosahatchee River-end of Coon Road and Hancock Creek-Moody Ramp. It was in response to water samples taken on June 26.
In addition, the DOH-Lee issued the same health alert on June 23 for the Able Canal-Connie Avenue North and Caloosahatchee River-north of Loftons Island (North Shore Park), West First Street and Altamont Avenue, and Fort Myers Shores. It was in response to water samples taken on June 19 and 21.
The public should exercise caution in and around the identified areas.
It is also advised to take the following precautions:
– Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
– Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
– Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
– Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
– Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
– Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
– Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
Also on June 29, the DOH-Lee cautioned the public of the presence of blue-green algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee River-Rubicon Canal and Caloosahatchee River-Harbor View Canal. Blooms have the potential to produce toxins. Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed.
The public is advised to take the following precautions:
– Do not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
– Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water.
– Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
– Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
– Keep pets and livestock away from the waters in the location.
– Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
– Do not eat shellfish from the location.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard at https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom and can also be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/, where you can sign up to be notified of the latest conditions.
WHAT IS BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
IS IT HARMFUL?
Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. Protecting Florida Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE AN ALGAL BLOOM?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to the DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report online at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3444948/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511.
Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center; call 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, call the DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100.
To reach FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LEE COUNTY, please email