SANFORD, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County issued a health alert Monday after harmful blue-green algae toxins were detected in Lake Howell.
The alert follows testing of a water sample collected Sept. 24. Health officials urged residents and visitors to use caution around the lake.
People should not drink, swim, wade, operate personal watercraft or enter areas where a visible bloom is present. Anyone who touches algae or discolored or foul-smelling water should wash their skin and clothing with soap and clean water.
Pets and livestock should also be kept away from affected water. Boiling contaminated water will not remove algae toxins, health officials said.
Healthy fish caught in the lake may be eaten if the fillets are rinsed with tap or bottled water, the internal organs are discarded and the fish is thoroughly cooked. People should not eat shellfish from water experiencing an algae bloom.
Blue-green algae can appear as scum, foam, floating mats or spilled paint on the water. Blooms are more common during warm, sunny weather and may produce toxins harmful to people, animals and aquatic ecosystems.
People can report algae blooms to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at reportalgalbloom.com or 855-305-3903.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after exposure can contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if an animal becomes ill after encountering contaminated water.
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