CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County has issued a health alert after harmful blue-green algae toxins were found in Duck Creek, warning residents and visitors to avoid contact with the water.
The alert follows a water sample taken May 20. Duck Creek empties into the southwest section of Doctors Lake, raising concerns about potential spread of the bloom.
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What to avoid
Health officials are urging the public not to drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft or come into contact with any water where a visible bloom is present.
Anyone who comes in contact with algae or discolored, foul-smelling water should wash their skin and clothing immediately with soap and water.
Pets and livestock should be kept away from affected areas and provided an alternative water source. Animals are not safe from the effects of algae blooms, health officials said.
Residents should also avoid cooking or cleaning dishes with water contaminated by algae. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins, officials warned. Shellfish from affected waters should not be consumed.
Fish fillets from healthy fish caught in the affected freshwater areas are considered safe to eat, provided the guts are removed, fillets are rinsed with tap or bottled water and fish is cooked thoroughly.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells, discoloring water and often producing floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blooms can also appear as scum, foam or a paint-like substance on the water’s surface.
Environmental factors that contribute to blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients. While blooms occur year-round, they are most frequent during summer and fall. Blue-green algae may not always be visible, but can still be present in the water.
Who is most at risk?
Blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, aquatic animals and broader ecosystems. Sensitive individuals — including children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised — may be at risk even at low toxin concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
How to report issues, get more information
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection monitors algae blooms and collects samples for analysis. Bloom results can be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website or DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard. Blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling 1-855-305-3903.
Anyone experiencing symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom should contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. For concerns about sick animals, contact a local veterinarian.
Dead, diseased or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.
For additional health questions about blue-green algae, contact DOH-Clay at 904-278-3784.