The Florida Department of Health in Martin County issued a blue-green algae health alert for the Lake Okeechobee NES135 area after water samples collected in September detected harmful toxins. The area is located on the north shore of the lake at J&S Fish Camp in Martin County.
Residents and visitors should not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft or otherwise come into contact with water where a visible algae bloom is present. Health officials advised people to keep pets and livestock away from affected water. Anyone who comes into contact with algae, discolored water or water with an unpleasant odor should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water.
Contaminated water should not be used for cooking or washing dishes because boiling does not remove algae toxins. Blue-green algae are bacteria commonly found in Florida freshwater. Blooms can discolor water and create floating mats, scum, foam or paint-like material on the surface, sometimes with an unpleasant odor. The blooms can produce toxins that may harm people, pets and aquatic life.
Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may be at risk even at low toxin concentrations and should avoid exposure. Health officials said it is safe to eat fillets from healthy freshwater fish caught in lakes experiencing blooms if the fillets are rinsed with tap or bottled water, the guts are discarded and the fish is thoroughly cooked. People should not eat shellfish from waters with algae blooms.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection monitors reported blooms and collects samples for analysis. The public can report an algae bloom online at ReportAlgalBloom.com or call 1-855-305-3903. Anyone who develops symptoms after exposure to a harmful algae bloom can call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
Pet owners who believe an animal became ill after exposure should contact a veterinarian. For health questions about blue-green algae, call DOH-Martin at 772-221-4090.