Health warning due to reported blue-green algae toxins in Doctors Lake – Action News Jax

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) has issued a health alert after harmful blue-green algae toxins were discovered in Doctors Lake at the intersection of Wyndegate Drive and Lawrence Road.

The warning follows a water sample taken on June 17 and the public is urged to exercise caution in and around these areas.

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Precautions:

• Avoid contact: Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or come into contact with waters containing visible mold blooms.
• hygiene: If contact with algae or discolored water occurs, wash skin and clothing with soap and water.
• Pet safety: Keep pets and livestock away from affected water. Use alternative water sources for animals.
• Cooking and cleaning: Do not use contaminated water for cooking or washing dishes. Boiling does not remove the toxins.
• Fish consumption: It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes affected by the flake bloom. Rinse the fillets with tap or bottled water, remove the entrails and cook thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish from affected waters.

About blue-green algae:

Blue-green algae are bacteria that are common in Florida’s freshwater. Algal blooms occur when rapid algal growth causes cells to accumulate, discoloring the water and forming floating mats with unpleasant odors. Algal blooms can appear as foam, scum, or paint-like surfaces in a variety of colors and are more common in the summer and fall.

Health risks:

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, pets, and ecosystems. Sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals may be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid contact.

For more information on potential health effects, visit the DOH’s Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.

Current water status:

For the latest Florida water quality and health alerts, visit Protecting Florida Together and subscribe to alerts.

Reporting of algal blooms:

• Algal blooms: Report to DEP online or call 1-855-305-3903.
• Effects on human health: Report symptoms to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
• Impact on animal health: Contact your veterinarian if your pet becomes ill after contact with contaminated water.
• Fish deaths: Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.

If you have any further health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, contact DOH-Clay at 904-278-3784.

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