Blue-green algae bloom found at Franklin Locks on Caloosahatchee River

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Blue-green algae was found at Franklin Locks on the Caloosahatchee River, according to health officials.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the harmful blue-green agal toxins detected in the area. A water sample taken on June 1 found the toxins.

Everyone in the area should use caution in and around the Caloosahatchee River near the Franklin Locks, local health officials said. The public should not drink, swim wade, use personal watercraft, water ski, or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.

People should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water if they have had contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. Pets should be kept away from the area.

Cooking and cleaning dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms should not be done. FDOH officials in Lee County said eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled waters, throw out the guts and cook fish well.

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