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Health Alert issued for Franklin Lock C43 Canal for harmful blue-green algae

Blue Green Algae
Posted at 4:25 PM, Jun 03, 2022
and last updated 2022-06-03 16:25:49-04

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A water sample taken on June 1 by the Florida Department of Health showed the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins.

Authorities are telling residents and visitors near the Franklin Lock C43 Canal - S79 the following:

Do not drink, swim, wade or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
If you come in contact with discolored or smelly water, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water.
Keep pets away from the area so they do not drink the water.
Do not cook or clean dishes with contaminated water.
Fish fillets should be rinsed with tap or bottled water and the guts should be thrown out.
Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

To learn more about the health effects of algal blooms, go to Florida Health’s website.

For current information about Florida’s water quality status, visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov.