FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health has issued a health alert for Doctor’s Lake - Mill Cove due to harmful blue-green algal toxins found in the water. The DOH took a water sample on May 17, and it was found to have the toxic algae.
If you are planning on visiting or using Doctor’s Lake -Mill Cove, 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.
- 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.
- Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the 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 well.
- Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
If you see an algal bloom, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes samples. To report a bloom to DEP, call 855-305-636-0511 or report it online.
Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center. Call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Clay County at (904) 278-3784.