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Health warning issued due to blue-green algae in Indian River County

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The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County announced Friday that a health alert has been issued for Blue Cypress Lake – Center. The alert is related to the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins after water samples were taken Tuesday. The health department stresses that residents and visitors around Blue Cypress Lake – Center should be cautious. · Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or come into contact with water where a visible algal bloom is present. · Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have come into contact with algae or discolored or unpleasant smelling water. · Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algal blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternate water source during algal blooms. · Do not cook or flush with water contaminated by algal blooms. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins. · It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes with algal blooms. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard entrails, and cook fish thoroughly.· Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.Top Headlines: Stay Up to Date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25 Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Florida —

The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County announced Friday that a health alert has been issued for Blue Cypress Lake – Center.

The warning refers to the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins after water samples were taken on Tuesday.

The health department emphasizes that residents and visitors should be cautious in the area around the Blue Cypress Lake Center.

· Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or come into contact with water where visible mold growth is present.

· Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae or discolored or unpleasant-smelling water.

· Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Water bodies where algal blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative water source during algal blooms.

· Do not cook or flush with water contaminated by algal blooms. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins.

· It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes with fish blooms. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails and cook the fish thoroughly.

· Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.

Top headlines:

To stay updated: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Get the latest news with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it Here.

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