Blue-green algae toxins detected in Orange River at Manatee Park

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Blue-green algae toxins have been detected in the Orange River at Manatee Park.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Orange River at Manatee Park.

All residents and visitors are being asked not to drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski, or boat in waters where visible blooms exist. Local health officials said anyone who has come in contact with algae or discolored smelly water, should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water.

Pets should be kept away from the water, according to the Department of Health. Residents and visitors should not cook or clean with water contaminated by algal blooms and should not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Local health officials said fish fillets should be rinsed with tap or bottled water.

The post Blue-green algae toxins detected in Orange River at Manatee Park appeared first on NBC2 News.

NBC2 (WBBH-TV)