Health officials pay attention to blooming blue-green algae in Spring in Three Sisters in Citrus County

[Lecanto, Fla.] — The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) issued a warning about the presence of harmful cyanobacterial toxins in the Three Sisters Spring Canal.^rd avenue and 4^th Avenue. This corresponds to a water sample taken on September 1, 2022. The public should exercise caution in and around Three Sisters Springs.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, play in water, water bikes, water skis, or boat in areas with visible flowers.
• If you come in contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water.
• Keep pets away from the area. Algae-infested waters are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a separate water source if algae is present.
• Do not cook or wash dishes in algae-contaminated water. Boiling water does not eliminate toxins.
• It is safe to eat healthy fish fillets caught in freshwater lakes that are experiencing bloom. Rinse the fish fillets in tap or bottled water, discard the guts and cook the fish well.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria commonly found in freshwater environments in Florida. Bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae causes individual cells to accumulate, producing floating mats that discolor the water and often give off an unpleasant odor.

Environmental factors that contribute to algal bloom include sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Flowering occurs all year round, but is more common in summer and autumn. Many types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins.

Harmful?

Blue-green algal blooms can affect human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

For additional information on the potential health effects of blue-green algae, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.

find current information See below for Florida’s water quality and public health notices regarding harmful algal blooms and beach conditions. Protect Florida Together.gov. Protecting Florida Together is a joint state effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and a commitment to action.

What should I do if I see blue-green algae blooming?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report Bloom to DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report it. online.

To Report and contact fish kills Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute (1-800-636-0511).

report symptoms From exposure to harmful algae blooms or aquatic toxins, call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 and talk to a poison expert right away.

contact your veterinarian If you suspect your pet has become ill after ingesting or coming into contact with water contaminated with cyanobacteria.

If you have any other health questions or concerns about blooming blue-green algae, please call the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County at 352-513-6100.

About the Florida Department of Health

division nationally accredited by Public Health Accreditation Boardworks to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Please follow us Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @HealthyFlaFor more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit: www.FloridaHealth.gov.