Florida’s Department of Health in Lee County just put out a warning about blue-green algae toxins in the Caloosahatchee River-Sebastian Canal. These algae can produce toxins that put both people and pets at risk. Kids, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system need to be especially careful; even small amounts can cause trouble.
Here’s what the health department wants you to do:
Stay out of the water when you see an algae bloom. Don’t swim, drink, wade, or use any watercraft in areas where the water looks odd or has that telltale smell.
If you touch algae or weird-looking water, wash up right away, soap and water for your skin and clothes.
Keep pets and livestock far from the water. Give them other water to drink until the bloom passes.
Don’t use water exposed to an algae bloom for cooking or washing dishes. Boiling won’t get rid of the toxins.
If you fish in affected freshwater lakes, it’s okay to eat the fillets if the fish look healthy. Rinse fillets well with clean water, toss out the guts, and cook the fish thoroughly.
Skip the shellfish; don’t eat any shellfish from waters with an algae bloom.
