The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) has issued a health alert for the presence of blue-green algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee River — North Canal Circle. This is in response to water samples taken on April 22, 2024. The public should exercise caution in and around Caloosahatchee River — North Canal Circle.
Blooms have the potential to produce toxins, and what triggers them to do so remains poorly understood. Since bloom conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution as if the bloom were toxic, even if toxin presence has not yet been confirmed.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- You should not drink, swim, wade, water ski or engage in activities that may cause you to come in direct contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
- Exercise caution when using personal watercraft or boating, to avoid stirring up or contacting the algae or the affected water.
- Avoid getting affected water in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
- You should keep pets and livestock away from the waters in this location.
- Eating filets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish filets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish to the appropriate temperature.
- You should not eat shellfish from this location.
