Department of Health in Martin County reminds residents and visitors to avoid contact with algae

Department of Health in Martin County reminds residents and visitors to avoid contact with algae

Martin County, FL —The Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH) is issuing a health advisory for the vicinity of St. Lucie Lock and Phipps Park based on water sampling results from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  DEP conducted sampling in the area of C44S80 St. Lucie Lock and found the presence of Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, with an elevated Microcystin toxin level.  DOH recommends residents and visitors to avoid contact with algae.

Exposure to blue-green algae may cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed and irritation or rash if touched or inhaled. Swimming in water with blue green algae blooms may cause ear, eye and skin reactions, and hay fever and flu-like symptoms (including diarrhea)—these reactions are not common. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable, so keeping them away from the water during a bloom is especially important.

If you experience acute illness related to an algal bloom, please call the Florida Poison Control Center at 1- 800-222-1222.

For health-related questions, contact the Florida Department of Health inMartin County at 772-221-4090.

To report algae blooms, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903.

To report fish kills, call the Fish Kill Hotline (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) at 800-636-0511.

For more information about blue-green algae and public health, visithttps://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/cyanobacteria.html

For general information about algal blooms:https://www.cdc.gov/habs/general.html

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @GoHealthyMartin For more information about the Florida Department of Health in Martin County please visit www.MartinCountyHealth.com