Health officials issue blue-green algae alert for Lake Thonotosassa

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a health alert for Lake Thonotosassa on Oct. 16. The alert warns of harmful blue-green algae toxins in the lake. It responds to a water sample taken on Oct. 12. The department asks the public to use caution in and around the lake.

Health officials give these precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or touch water where there is a visible bloom.
• If you touch algae or discolored water that smells unpleasant, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the water. Give them another source of water.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water from a bloom. Boiling the water does not remove the toxins.
• Do not eat shellfish from waters with algae blooms.
• Fillets from healthy fish caught in bloom lakes are safe to eat. Rinse the fillets, throw out the guts, and cook the fish thoroughly.

Children, the elderly and people who are immunocompromised may be at risk, even at low concentrations. The department tells them to avoid any exposure.

Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom. They can still be in the water.

If you have symptoms after contact with a bloom, call the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. If your pet becomes ill after contact, call your veterinarian. Current water status is on Protecting Florida Together and on DEP's Algal Bloom Dashboard.