DOH-Collier issues blue-green algae health alert for Lake Avalon

Writer: Carolina Guzman
Published: Updated:
Blue-green algae

It’s official: the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Avalon.

The alert is in response to a water sample taken on Thursday. The Department of Health asks the public to exercise caution in and around Lake Avalon.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not swim in waters where there is a visible bloom, cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms, as boiling the water will not eliminate toxins or eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

According to the Department of Health, blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.