Health alert: Blue-green algae found in part of St. Johns River

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (FDOH) issued a health alert for harmful blue-green algae toxins found in the St. Johns River near Mandarin Point.

The advisory was issued after a positive water sample was taken on Oct. 14.

The county advised the public to exercise caution in and around that area.

Blue-green algae is a bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater that blooms rapidly and accumulates discolored water or often produces floating mats that emit unpleasant orders. Their appearance can look scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors.

For more information regarding algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together.

In addition to the alert, the DOH-Duval also provided a list of precautions for residents and visitors:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters with visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, discolored water, 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 water source 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.

If you are exposed to or experiencing related algae bloom effects, please reach out to the following:

• Algae Blooms: DEP monitors algae blooms and collects samples for analysis. Blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling toll-free at 1-855-305-3903.
• Human Health Impacts: Report symptoms from exposure to harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
• Animal Health Impacts: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae-contaminated water.
• Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Duval at 904-253-1280