Health alert issued for harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Howell

Health officials are warning people and pets to avoid water where a visible bloom is present

Lake Howell, Sanford The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Howell

By Brody Wooddell

SANFORD, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has issued a health alert after harmful blue-green algae toxins were detected in Lake Howell.

The alert was issued in response to a water sample collected Aug. 19.

Health officials are advising residents and visitors to use caution around the lake and avoid water where a visible bloom is present.

Officials recommend the following precautions:

  • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft or come into contact with water where a visible bloom is present.
  • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water after contact with algae or water that is discolored or smells unpleasant.
  • Keep pets and livestock away from affected water. Animals should be provided with an alternative water source.
  • Do not use water contaminated by algae blooms to cook or clean dishes. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins.
  • Do not eat shellfish collected from water experiencing an algae bloom.

Health officials said fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms can be eaten if they are rinsed with tap or bottled water, the guts are discarded and the fish is cooked thoroughly.

Blue-green algae are bacteria commonly found in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blooms can discolor the water, create floating mats and produce unpleasant odors. They may appear as scum, foam or paint on the water’s surface.

Some blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to people, pets, fish and other wildlife. Children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised may face risks even at low concentrations and should avoid exposure.

Algae blooms can be reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at ReportAlgalBloom.com or by calling 855-305-3903.

Anyone experiencing symptoms after exposure can call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if an animal becomes ill after contact with contaminated water.

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