Alert issued for toxic algae blooms in Orange County lakes

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A health alert has been issued for harmful blue-green algae toxins in several lakes around Orange County, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health.

Toxic algae were found in Lake Sue (S. Shore), Lake Killarney (Killarney Drive), Lake Gatlin (E. Shore) and Lake Osceola (Alexander Place Park) after water samples were taken on Feb. 11 and 12, health officials said.

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The algae is harmful to humans and pets, and can also harm ecosystems, including fish and aquatic animals, according to officials. For more information about the health effects of algae blooms, click here.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when there is a rapid growth of algae, leading to unpleasant smells and discolored water that looks like scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors, the release said.

Officials said residents and visitors should take precautions near and around the lakes:

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

Protecting Florida Together provides public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and also offers subscription notifications for water quality in an area.

An interactive map of algae blooms in Florida can also be viewed here.

For any questions or concerns about blue-green algae, contact the Orange County Department of Health at 407-723-5004.

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