Contact:
Kent Donahue
[email protected]
407-858-1418
Orlando, FL – The Florida Division of Well being in Orange County has issued a Well being Warning for the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Killarney-N Lobe. That is in response to a website go to and water pattern taken by the Florida Division of Environmental Safety on 01/24/2023. The general public ought to train warning in and round Lake Killarney-N Lobe.
Blooms have the potential to provide toxins, and what triggers them to start doing so stays poorly understood. For that reason, you will need to train warning, as bloom circumstances are dynamic and will change at any time. The Florida Division of Environmental Safety (FDEP) collects algae samples from reported bloom areas for toxin evaluation. As soon as accomplished, the outcomes shall be posted on the FDEP Algal Bloom Dashboard, and can be considered on the Defending Florida Collectively web site, the place you’ll be able to signal as much as be notified of the most recent circumstances.
Residents and guests are suggested to take the next precautions:
You shouldn’t drink, swim, wade, use private watercraft, water ski or boat in waters the place there’s a seen bloom.Keep away from getting water in your eyes, nostril, or mouthYou ought to preserve pets and livestock away from the waters on this locationEating fillets from wholesome fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is secure. Rinse fish fillets with faucet or bottled water, throw out the heart and cook dinner fish nicely.You shouldn’t eat shellfish from this location
What’s blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a sort of micro organism that’s frequent in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom happens when fast development of algae results in an accumulation of particular person cells that discolor water and infrequently produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors. Some environmental components that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, heat water temperatures, nonetheless water circumstances and extra vitamins. Blooms can seem year-round however are extra frequent in summer season and fall. Many sorts of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
Is it dangerous?
Blue-green algae blooms can influence human well being and ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals.
For extra info on potential well being results of algal blooms, go to floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Discover present info about Florida’s water high quality standing and public well being notifications for dangerous algal blooms and seashore circumstances by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. Defending Florida Collectively is the state’s joint effort to offer statewide water high quality info to prioritize environmental transparency and dedication to motion.
What do I do if I see an algal bloom?
The Florida Division of Environmental Safety collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to FDEP, name the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report on-line.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Analysis Institute at 1-800-636-0511.
Report signs from publicity to a dangerous algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Data Heart, name 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist instantly.
Contact your veterinarian should you imagine your pet has grow to be in poor health after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water. If in case you have different well being questions or issues about blue-green algae blooms, please name the Florida Division of Well being in Orange County Name Heart at 407-723-5004.
In regards to the Florida Division of Well being
The Division, nationally accredited by the Public Well being Accreditation Board, works to guard, promote, and enhance the well being of all folks in Florida via built-in state, county and neighborhood efforts.
Observe us on Fb, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For extra details about the Florida Division of Well being please go to www.FloridaHealth.gov.