DOH-Marion issues blue-green algae health alert for Silver Glen Springs

[Photo courtesy US Forest Service]

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Silver Glen Springs. The alert is in response to a water sample taken on Sept. 12. The springs is located on N. Highway 19 near Fort McCoy.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria 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 also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors, the DOH-Marion news release indicated.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure, the release stated.

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins. Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but it can still be present in the water, according to DOH-Marion.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

*Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.

* Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.

* Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.

* Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.

* 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 thoroughly.

* Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations. After samples are analyzed at their laboratory, the toxin results can be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.

If you have health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, call DOH-Marion at (352) 629-0137.