The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Marian, south of the boat ramp.
This is in response to a water sample taken on June 1. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Marian.
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. 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 impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
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Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters 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.
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Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
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Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
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Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
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Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
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