touch:
Kent Donahue
Kent. Donahue@flhealth.gov
407-858-1472
Orlando, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a health precautions Because of the presence of blue-green algae on the shores of Lake Pinelock-E. This is in response to a field visit and water samples taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Conservation on January 11, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Pinelock – E Shore.
Flowers have the potential to produce toxins, and what triggers them to start doing so is still poorly understood. Therefore, it is important to proceed with caution, as flowering conditions are dynamic and can change at any time. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) collects algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once complete, the results will be posted on the FDEP Algal Blooms Dashboard and can also be viewed on the Conserve Florida Commons website where you can sign up to be notified of the latest developments.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- You should not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, wakeboard or boat in waters where splash is visible.
- Avoid getting water in eyes, nose or mouth
- You should keep pets and livestock out of the water at this location
- It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes where blooms occur. Rinse the fillets in tap or bottled water, remove the guts, and cook the fish.
- You should not eat shellfish from this place
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria commonly found in freshwater environments in Florida. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to the accumulation of individual cells that discolor the water and often create a floating mat that emits an unpleasant odor. Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms include sunny weather, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae produce toxins.
harmful?
Blue-green algae blooms can affect human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. For more information on the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
find current information For public health notices regarding water quality status and harmful algal blooms and beach conditions in Florida, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov website. Protecting Florida Together is the state’s collaborative effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action.
What should I do if I see an algal bloom?
FDEP collects and analyzes algal bloom samples.To report algal blooms to FDEP, call toll-free 855-305-3903 or report online.
arrive To report fish deaths, contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute, 1-800-636-0511.
report symptoms From exposure to harmful algal blooms or any aquatic toxins to the Florida Poison Information Center, call 1-800-222-1222 today to speak with a poison expert.
contact your veterinarian If you think your pet has become ill after eating or coming into contact with water contaminated with cyanobacteria.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please contact the Florida Department of Health at the Orange County Call Center at 407-723-5004.
About the Florida Department of Health The Department, Nationally Accredited The Commission on Public Health Accreditation works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through an integrated state, county and community effort.
Follow us on Twitter @HealthyFla etc. Facebook.For more information on the Florida Department of Health, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
