JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health is issuing a health alert for harmful blue-green algae spotted in the Mandarin Point area, south of the Buckman Bridge.
The alert is in response to a water sample taken on Oct. 14, an FDOH release said, with officials urging caution "in and around the St. Johns River near Mandarin Point."
Blue-green algae produced toxins harmful to humans and animals. Blooms appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors, according to FDOH.
The agency said residents, anglers and boaters should not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with water where there is a visible bloom. They also advocated the following:
• 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.
Report algae blooms here or by calling 1-855-305-3903. If you have health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Duval at 904-253-1280.
