The Florida Department of Health issues a warning for blue-green algae in St. Johns County

St. Johns County FL — Algae that can make people sick is in bloom at Racy Point in the St. Johns River, just north of Hastings. Officials from the Florida Department of Health advise residents and visitors to avoid the water where blue-green algae is present. The health alert is based on a water sample taken on July 13th. This kind of algae contains a harmful cyanotoxin, which can cause rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and respiratory irritation for humans and animals, according to the FDOH. These types of algae blooms have a bluish, bright green color, may have frothy surface foam, and can smell like rotting plants.

Water sports like jet-skiing, boating, and swimming creates splashes, which can make the blue-green algae airborne, resulting in the toxin getting into your lungs according to health officials. It can make pets and livestock sick and for those people with sensitive airways, the algae can cause irritation when breathing. High levels of exposure can negatively affect the liver, as well as, the nervous system. Health officials say people should avoid water sports in the areas where blooms of blue-green algae are present.

If you’re exposed, the department of health recommends that you wash your skin and clothes with soap and water to remove the algae. Avoid eating shellfish from the contaminated waters, and only consume the meaty portion of fish from the area. Blue-green algae can accumulate in the organs and scales of fish found near blooms. Protect your pets and livestock as well, by avoiding the area until the algae are no longer present in the waters at Racy Point in St. Johns County.

For more information, go to the FDOH’s website at www.floridahealth.gov.

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