Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov
407-858-1472
ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Division of Well being in Orange County has issued a Well being Care for the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Pinelock – E Shore. That is in response to a website go to and a water pattern taken by the Florida Division of Environmental Safety on 01/11/2023. The general public must be cautious in and round Pinelock Lake – E Shore.
Flowers have the potential to provide toxins, and what causes them to start doing so stays poorly understood. Because of this, you will need to train with warning, for the reason that flowering circumstances are dynamic and will change at any time. The Florida Division of Environmental Safety (FDEP) collects algae samples from reported bloom websites for toxin evaluation. As soon as accomplished, the outcomes might be revealed on the FDEP Algal Bloom Dashboardand may also be seen on the Defending Florida Collectively web site, the place you possibly can register to be notified of the newest 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 water within the eyes, nostril or mouth
- It is best to preserve animals and livestock away from the water on this location
- Maintaining a healthy diet fish fillets caught in freshwater lakes which have blooms is protected. Rinse the fish fillets with faucet or bottled water, discard the center and prepare dinner the fish nicely.
- Don’t eat crustaceans from this place
What’s blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a kind of micro organism that’s widespread in Florida’s freshwater surroundings. A bloom happens when the speedy progress of algae results in an accumulation of particular person cells that discolor the water and sometimes produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors. Some environmental elements that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, heat water temperatures, stagnant water circumstances and extra vitamins. Flowers can seem all year long, however are extra frequent in summer season and autumn. Many kinds of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
Is it dangerous?
Blue-green algal blooms can impression human well being and ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals. For extra info on the potential well being results of algal blooms, go to floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Discover present info in regards to the state of Florida’s water high quality and public well being notifications for dangerous algal blooms and seaside circumstances by visiting Safety of FloridaTogether.gov. Defending Florida Collectively is the state’s joint effort to supply water high quality info statewide to prioritize environmental transparency and dedication to motion..
What do I do if I see an algal bloom?
The FDEP collects and analyzes samples of algal blooms. 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 in case you consider your pet has develop into unwell after consuming or having contact with water contaminated with blue-green algae.
You probably have different well being questions or considerations about blue-green algae blooms, name the Florida Division of Well being 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 Councilworks to guard, promote and enhance the well being of all individuals in Florida by built-in state, county and neighborhood efforts.
Observe us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Fb. For extra details about the Florida Division of Well being, go to www.FloridaHealth.gov.