United States: A recent health advisory regarding blue-green algae in the Caloosahatchee River has expired, yet a new cautionary notice has been issued.
Due to the occurrence of blue-green algae in, Hancock Creek and the Seaside Key Court Canal located north of the river, Lee County department of health in Florida has warned the public.
This canal lies at Cleveland Avenue just west of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge that connects through US 41/Cleveland Avenue over the Caloosahatchee River near the Lochmoor Waterway Estates, news reports indicated by news.wgcu.org.
Although the blue-green algae does not pose a danger to humans as it does not contain toxins, the health department advises the public to be cautious in the area, as the algae is toxic. Since conditions in the environment may be volatile, and toxins may be present in a given environment, it is normally recommended that caution should be taken even when toxins are not evidently present.
Blue-green algae are bacteria found in Florida that present toxicity in freshwater water systems. A bloom is characterized by the fast increase of individual cells, consequently, make water produce discoloration and frequently form mat-like structures that have spoilage smell.
Blooms may also float on the water as scum, foam, or paint-like layers with various colors on the surface of the water. It is for this reason that they are also referred to as summer water blooms. Blue-green algae blooms are influenced by aspects such as light and temperature, among others, which include sunny weather, warm water temperatures, stagnant water, and an abundance of nutrients.
Blooms can emerge throughout the year, as outlined by news.wgcu.org.
The health department recommends the following precautions for residents and visitors:
– Refrain from drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, or coming into contact with waters showing visible blooms.
– If you have contact with algae or discolored or foul-smelling water, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water.
– Keep pets and livestock away from the area to prevent contact with the water. Waters with algae blooms are unsafe 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 remove the toxins.
– Avoid consuming shellfish from waters affected by algae blooms.
Blue green algae can produce toxic compounds that can be hazardous to human and other animals, the pets, fish, other water dwelling organisms and even other species of plants.
Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons are some of the vulnerable persons who may still be at risk of getting infected with the disease irrespective of low concentrations and, therefore, should avoid being exposed to the compound, according to news.wgcu.org.
In the same area, a current health alert for blue-green algae that had lasted for a week and 14 hours has been removed from the vicinity of the C43 Canal upstream. However, the canal is still on warning.