DOH-Hillsborough Points Blue Inexperienced Algae Health Alert for Lake Thonotosassa

Contact:
Claire Maher
Claire.Maher@flhealth.gov
813-559-4065

Hillsborough County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH- Hillsborough) has issued a well being alert for the presence of dangerous blue-green algae toxins in Lake Thonotosassa. The alert is in response to a water pattern taken on September 25, 2025. The public ought to train warning in and round Lake Thonotosassa.

Residents and guests are suggested to take the next precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use private watercrafts, or come into contact with waters the place there’s a seen bloom.
• Wash your pores and skin and clothes with cleaning soap and water if in case you have any contact with algae, or discolored water that smells disagreeable.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the world to keep away from any contact with water. Waters the place algae blooms are current will not be protected for animals. Pets and livestock ought to use another supply of water when algae blooms are current.
• Do not prepare dinner or clear dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water is not going to remove toxins.
• Eating fillets from wholesome fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is protected. Rinse fish fillets with faucet or bottled water, throw out the heart, and prepare dinner fish totally.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and companions collect algae samples from reported bloom areas. After samples are analyzed at their laboratory, the toxin outcomes will be seen on the Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.

Blue-green algae are a kind of micro organism that’s frequent in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom happens when speedy development of algae results in an accumulation of particular person cells that discolor water and infrequently produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors.

Blue-green algae blooms also can seem as scum, foam, or paint on the floor of the water in varied colours. To be taught extra in regards to the look of algae blooms, go to Protecting Florida Together.

Some environmental components that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, heat water temperatures, nonetheless water circumstances, and extra vitamins. Blooms can seem year-round however are extra frequent in summer season and fall. Many sorts of blue-green algae can produce toxins. Blue-green algae might not all the time be seen as a bloom, however it could nonetheless be current within the water.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins, which will be dangerous to human and pets in addition to ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals. Sensitive people (e.g., kids, the aged and people who are immunocompromised) should still be in danger even at low concentrations and may keep away from any publicity.

For further info on potential well being results of algae blooms, go to the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage.

Current details about Florida’s water high quality standing and public well being notifications for dangerous algae blooms and seaside circumstances is on the market at Protecting Florida Together. You can subscribe to receive notifications when water high quality adjustments in your space.

• Algae Blooms: DEP screens algae blooms and collects samples for evaluation. Blooms will be reported to DEP online or by calling toll-free at 1-855-305-3903.
• Human Health: Report signs from publicity to a dangerous algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist.
• Animal Health: Contact your veterinarian should you consider your pet has change into unwell after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
• Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on-line or at 800-636-0511.

If you’ve different well being questions or issues about blue-green algae, please name DOH- Hillsborough at 813-559-4065.

 

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The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to guard, promote, and enhance the well being of all individuals in Florida by built-in state, county, and group efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For extra details about the Florida Department of Health, go to FloridaHealth.gov.