The Florida Department of Health’s Palm Beach County office has issued an advisory regarding the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee near Pahokee.
The algae was located May 7 in the region called PELBAY 3, near the Palm Beach County Glades Airport. Water sample testing is underway for potential toxins, the department said.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming, wading or using personal watercraft in areas where there is a visible bloom. Those who come into contact with the algae, or with water that is discolored or smells unpleasant, should should wash their skin and clothing.
Lake Okeechobee at Jaycee Park in Okeechobee, as seen in this August 2020 file photo.
Pet and livestock owners should keep animals away from the area. Fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater experiencing blooms are safe to eat, the health department said. Rinse the fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish from waters with algae blooms, the health department said.
The health department also advises avoiding cooking or cleaning dishes with water contaminated with algae blooms because boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
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Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Health department says blue-green algae found in Lake Okeechobee