Blue-green algae toxin reported in Lake George; Volusia health department issues warning

People should be cautious when visiting Lake George or the surrounding area because of blue-green algae toxins, according to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

The department issued a health alert after a water sample taken on Wednesday tested positive for the harmful toxin, according to a news release from the department. The toxins were found in the center of the lake, a large body of water that is partly in northwest Volusia County and partly in Putnam County.

"Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments," according to the health department. "A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors."

Algal blooms can appear at any time of year.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies collect samples in spots where blooms have been reported. People can review the reports at floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom and protectingfloridatogether.gov.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County issued the following tips:

• Don't drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in the water where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
• Keep pets away from the area. Waters that have algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Don't cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water won't eliminate the toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water and cook fish to an appropriate temperature.
• Don't eat shellfish in waters with algae.

Call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to report algal blooms at 855-305-3903 or report them online at reportalgalbloom.com. People can speak to a poison specialist about symptoms from exposure to algal blooms or other aquatic toxins by calling the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

People should call a veterinarian if a pet gets sick from eating or coming into contact with algae-contaminated water.