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Health alert in Orange Lake due to the presence of Harmful blue-green algae, Orange Lake, FL, USA
2 years ago •source ocala-news.com
Orange Lake, 32686 Florida, United States
A health alert has been issued by the Florida Department of Health in Marion County after dangerous blue-green algal toxins were discovered in Orange Lake, near McIntosh. The public is being warned to take precautions when in and around the lake, such as avoiding swimming, wading, or any other contact with the water. Eating fish caught in the lake is safe as long as the fillets are rinsed with tap water or bottled water, the guts are thrown out, and the fish is cooked well. Eating shellfish in the lake is not recommended.Blue-green algae blooms are common in Florida's freshwater environments and occur when a rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor the water. Environmental factors that can contribute to these blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round, but they are more common in the summer and fall seasons.
In order for the health alert to be lifted, negative toxin analyses must be obtained from resampling of the bloom, or 30 days must elapse since the last sampling date. Any residents who believe their pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water should contact their veterinarian.
Source: www.ocala-news.com/2023/04/20/health-alert-harmful-blue-green-algae-found-in-orange-lake/
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