CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) is warning the public about the presence of blue-green algae detected at Black Creek-Middleburg Boat Ramp on Aug. 19. Water sample testing is underway, and while toxins have not yet been confirmed, health officials say residents and visitors should take precautions immediately.
Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins harmful to people, pets and ecosystems. Because environmental conditions can change rapidly, officials urge caution regardless of whether toxins have been confirmed.
What to avoid
Residents and visitors are advised not to drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft or make any contact with waters where a visible bloom is present. Those who do come into contact with algae, or water that appears discolored or smells unpleasant, should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water immediately.
Cooking or cleaning dishes with algae-contaminated water is also discouraged — and boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
Protect pets, livestock
Pet owners and farmers should keep animals away from affected waters. Waters where algae blooms are present are not considered safe for animals, and an alternative water source should be provided when blooms are present. Anyone who believes their pet has become ill after contact with blue-green algae-contaminated water should contact a veterinarian.
What about fish?
According to health officials, eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is considered safe. Anglers should rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the organs and cook fish thoroughly. However, shellfish from waters with algae blooms should not be consumed.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid algae growth leads to an accumulation of cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats with unpleasant odors…