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The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has issued a Health Alert due to the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Jesup. The alert was prompted by a water sample taken on July 26, 2023. This situation has been recurring for the majority of the past two years across the county.
Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution in and around Lake Jesup where algal blooms are visible. Precautions should be taken, such as refraining from drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, water skiing, or boating in the affected waters. If contact with algae or discolored/smelly water occurs, it is recommended to wash skin and clothing with soap and water.
Pet owners are also urged to keep their animals away from the water since algae blooms can be harmful to pets and livestock. It is essential to provide alternative sources of water for pets when blooms are present.
Moreover, the public is warned against consuming fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms. If consuming fish fillets from healthy fish caught in such waters, they should be rinsed with tap or bottled water, and the guts should be discarded. Additionally, it is crucial to cook fish thoroughly.
The blue-green algae responsible for the blooms are a type of bacteria commonly found in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blooms occur due to rapid algae growth, leading to water discoloration and the formation of floating mats emitting unpleasant odors. These blooms can occur year-round but are more frequent during sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and when there is an excess of nutrients. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins, making it vital to follow the advised precautions to protect public health.
Health Alert in Sanford, FL: The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has issued a Health Alert due to the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Jesup. The alert was prompted by a water sample taken on July 26, 2023. This situation has been recurring for the majority of the past two years across the county.
Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution in and around Lake Jesup where algal blooms are visible. Precautions should be taken, such as refraining from drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, water skiing, or boating in the affected waters. If contact with algae or discolored/smelly water occurs, it is recommended to wash skin and clothing with soap and water.
Pet owners are also urged to keep their animals away from the water since algae blooms can be harmful to pets and livestock. It is essential to provide alternative sources of water for pets when blooms are present.
Moreover, the public is warned against consuming fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms. If consuming fish fillets from healthy fish caught in such waters, they should be rinsed with tap or bottled water, and the guts should be discarded. Additionally, it is crucial to cook fish thoroughly.
The blue-green algae responsible for the blooms are a type of bacteria commonly found in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blooms occur due to rapid algae growth, leading to water discoloration and the formation of floating mats emitting unpleasant odors. These blooms can occur year-round but are more frequent during sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and when there is an excess of nutrients. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins, making it vital to follow the advised precautions to protect public health.
