POLK COUNTY, Fla – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) has issued a cautionary alert following the detection of blue-green algae in Lake Van, located at the end of Lake Van Road.
As of August 20, 2024, water sample testing is underway to determine the presence of toxins in the algae. Since environmental conditions may change rapidly, DOH-Polk urges residents and visitors to exercise caution even if toxins have not been confirmed.
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Safety Precautions for Residents and Visitors:
- Avoid Contact: Refrain from drinking, swimming, wading, or using personal watercraft in areas with visible algae blooms.
- Clean Skin and Clothing: If you come into contact with algae or discolored water, wash your skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and water.
- Protect Pets and Livestock: Keep animals away from contaminated water sources. Provide alternative water sources for pets and livestock.
- Do Not Use Contaminated Water: Avoid cooking or cleaning dishes with water affected by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not remove toxins.
- Eating Fish: Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in affected freshwater lakes is generally safe. However, be sure to rinse fillets with clean water, discard the guts, and cook the fish thoroughly.
- Avoid Shellfish: Do not eat shellfish from areas where algae blooms are present.
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Monitoring and Reporting Algae Blooms: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regularly collects and analyzes samples from reported bloom locations. The results, including toxin levels, can be viewed on the DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard or the Protecting Florida Together website.
About Blue-Green Algae: Blue-green algae, a type of bacteria, thrive in Florida’s freshwater environments, especially during warm, still conditions with excess nutrients. Algae blooms can vary in appearance, often forming scum, foam, or mats on the water’s surface, and can produce unpleasant odors. These blooms may occur year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall.
Potential Health Risks: Blue-green algae can produce harmful toxins that pose risks to humans, pets, and ecosystems, particularly sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It’s essential to avoid any exposure to contaminated water, even if no bloom is visible.
Where to Find More Information:
- Water Quality Updates: Stay informed about Florida’s water quality and receive notifications about harmful algae blooms and beach conditions by visiting Protecting Florida Together.
- Report Algae Blooms: Report blooms online to DEP or by calling 1-855-305-3903.
- Human Health Concerns: If you experience symptoms related to algae exposure, contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
- Animal Health Concerns: Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of illness after exposure to algae-contaminated water.
- Fish Kills: Report dead or abnormal fish and wildlife to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 800-636-0511.
For further health-related inquiries, please contact DOH-Polk at 863-578-2024.
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