Well being officers challenge blue-green algae bloom alert in Lake Marian

The Florida Division of Well being in Osceola County has issued a Well being Alert for the presence of dangerous blue-green algae toxins in Lake Marian, south of the boat ramp.

That is in response to a water pattern taken on June 1. The general public ought to be cautious in and round Lake Marian.

Blue-green algae is a kind of micro organism widespread in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom happens when the fast progress of algae results in a buildup of particular person cells that discolor the water and sometimes produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors.

Blue-green algae blooms can have an effect on human well being and ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals.

Residents and guests are suggested to take the next precautions:

• Don’t drink, swim, wade, use jet skis, water skis, or boats in waters the place
  there’s a flower seen.

• Wash pores and skin and clothes with cleaning soap and water when you come into contact with algae or discolored or foul-smelling water.

• Hold pets away from the realm. Waters the place there are algal blooms usually are not secure for animals. Pets and livestock ought to have a separate supply of water when algae blooms are current.

• Don’t prepare dinner or wash dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water is not going to take away the toxins.

• It’s suitable for eating fillets from wholesome fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms. Rinse fish fillets with faucet or bottled water, discard offal, and prepare dinner fish totally.

• Don’t eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.