Duval County Health Department issues blue-green algae warning

The Florida Department of Health in Duval County has issued a health alert for blue-green algae in the St. Johns River for the first time in nearly two years, according to its website.

On Friday, the department warned residents and visitors about the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in response to a water sample taken on Monday.

“The public should exercise caution in and around the St. Johns River near Mandarin Point,” the health department said.

This is the same area near Mandarin Road where, according to previous press releases, the last two warnings were issued in June and September 2022.

What does the Duval County Health Department recommend regarding blue-green algae?

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or come into contact with waters that have a visible fungal bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discoloration 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 where fish blooms occur. Rinse the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails and cook the fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.