LAKELAND, Fla. – Polk County has issued a well being alert as a result of blue-green algae in a Lakeland waterway, prompting issues from residents over what brought on the bloom in a spot and through a time of yr not identified for that sort of algae.
The Florida Division of Well being in Polk County issued the alert Monday, February 21 after blue-green algae toxins had been present in Lake Crago in Lakeland. The toxins had been present in a pattern collected from the lake 6 days prior.
The FL DoH-Polk County mentioned anybody within the space ought to “train warning in and round Lake Crago” particularly in the case of pets, in addition to people with respiratory issues.
The well being division mentioned don’t are available contact with the water, if doable. Actions like swimming, wading, driving private watercraft, and boating are usually not really helpful. Consuming the water ought to be averted.
Anybody who is available in contact with the water ought to wash their pores and skin and clothes with cleaning soap.
The division of well being says boiling the water is not going to get rid of the toxins.
In addition they say maintaining a healthy diet fish from the water is OK, however they need to be correctly cleaned first. Shellfish, nonetheless, shouldn’t be consumed from water the place algae is discovered.
From the Florida Division of Well being – Polk County:
Blue-green algae are a sort of micro organism that’s frequent in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom happens when fast progress of algae results in an accumulation of particular person cells that discolor water and infrequently produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors.
Some environmental elements that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, heat water temperatures, nonetheless water circumstances and extra vitamins. Blooms can seem year-round however are extra frequent in summer season and fall. Many varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
Is it dangerous?
Blue-green algae blooms can impression human well being and ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals.
Discover present details about Florida’s water high quality standing and public well being notifications for dangerous algal blooms and seaside circumstances by visiting https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/.
What do I do if I see an algal bloom?
The Florida Division of Environmental Safety collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to DEP, name the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Analysis Institute at 1-800-636-0511.
Report signs from publicity to a dangerous algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Data Middle, name 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist instantly.
Contact your veterinarian when you imagine your pet has grow to be unwell after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
When you’ve got different well being questions or issues about blue-green algae blooms, please name the Florida Division of Well being in Polk County at 863-578-2146.