State health dept. issues blue-green algae alert for Caloosahatchee River-Sebastian Canal

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert on Friday for the presence of blue-green algae toxins in the Caloosahatchee River-Sebastian Canal.

DOH-Lee says that blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans as well as pets. They add that sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly or those who are immunocompromised, may be at risk at even low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.

DOH-Lee recommends that everyone take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts or come into contact with waters where a bloom is visible.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored water that smells unpleasant.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. They should use an alternate source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling water will not eliminate the toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

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