DOH-Collier Lifts Red Tide Health Alert for Marco Island

By Breanna Kotlyar

Collier County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has lifted the well being alert issued on January 30, 2025, for the presence of pink tide close to Marco Island. Follow-up water samples taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission present pink tide is now not current or is at background ranges close to this location, indicating the general public might resume water-related actions.

It is essential that the general public proceed to train warning as pink tide standing can change when circumstances are favorable. If you expertise respiratory or eye irritation, think about leaving the realm or looking for aid in an air-conditioned house.

The newest sampling outcomes may be seen on Protecting Florida Together.

What is Red Tide?

Red tide is attributable to excessive concentrations of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate referred to as Karenia brevis (Ok. brevis), a kind of microscopic algae discovered within the Gulf of Mexico. Red tide sometimes varieties naturally offshore, generally in late summer time or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents.

At excessive sufficient concentrations, Ok. brevis can discolor water and provides it a pink or brown hue. To study extra concerning the look of pink tide, go to Protecting Florida Together.

Is Red Tide Harmful?

Ok. brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevotoxins) that may be dangerous to the people, pets, fish, and wildlife. Wind and wave motion can break open Ok. brevis cells and launch toxins into the air. This is why you must monitor circumstances and use warning when visiting affected water our bodies. Sensitive people (e.g., youngsters, the aged, those that are immunocompromised, and people who have persistent respiratory circumstances) could also be prone to experiencing extra extreme signs.

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

Where Can I Find Current Water Status Information?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission routinely collects and analyzes pink tide samples from across the state. 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 modifications in your space.

To hear a recording about pink tide circumstances all through the state, name the toll-free hotline at 866-300-9399.

For native licensed shellfish harvesting standing, go to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Where Can I Report Issues Related to Red Tide?

• 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 in case you consider your pet has change into unwell after consuming or having contact with pink tide contaminated water.
• Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.

If you have got different well being questions or considerations about pink tide blooms, please name DOH-Collier at 239-252-8200.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to guard, promote and enhance the well being of all folks in Florida by means of 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 please go to www.FloridaHealth.gov.