Health officials issue warning after blue-green algae toxins found in Doctor’s Lake

Fleming Island, Florida – The Clay County, Florida Health Department issued a health alert Friday after discovering harmful blue-green algae toxins in Doctors Lake near Magnolia Road.

The alert was issued following analysis of water samples taken on July 16th.

According to the Department of Health, Clay, blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that lives in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blue-green algae blooms cause floating mats that discolor the water and emit an unpleasant odor. Additionally, algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint of various colors on the water’s surface.

Officials said residents should exercise caution in and around the area and issued a list of safety precautions.

• Do not drink, swim, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with water in areas with visible algae growth.

• If you come into contact with algae or if the water becomes discolored or has an unpleasant odor, wash skin and clothing with soap and water.

• Keep pets and livestock away from the area and avoid contact with the water. Bodies of water with algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use alternative water sources when algae blooms are present.

• Do not cook or wash dishes in water contaminated with algal blooms, and boiling the water will not remove the toxins.

• It is safe to eat healthy fish fillets caught in freshwater lakes with algae blooms. Just rinse the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, remove the organs, and cook the fish thoroughly.

• Do not eat shellfish in waters with heavy algae blooms.

Health officials said blue-green algae blooms tend to occur in the summer and fall and are caused by sunny days, warm water temperatures, standing water and excess nutrients.

According to the Department of Health’s Clay Division, blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful not only to humans and pets, but also to ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

Health officials say sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, may be at risk even from low concentrations of blue-green algae and should avoid any contact.

Updates on Florida’s water quality conditions and public health notices regarding harmful algal blooms and coastal conditions can be found at Protecting Florida Together.

For more information on the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit this website.