DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LEE COUNTY REMINDS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO AVOID CONTACT WITH ALGAE
Lee County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH) is issuing a health advisory for the City of Cape Coral – Makai Canal based on observations of algae in the canal. When algae is visible, DOH recommends individuals boating in the canal avoid contact with the water. DEP will continue to post updates for the Makai Canal on their website.
Blue-green algae can cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed. Children and pets are especially vulnerable, so keeping them away from the water during a bloom is especially important. Additional information on blue-green algae is available here. If you wish to report a new algae bloom please visit DEP’s Algal Bloom Monitoring & Response webpage.
DEP, the five water management districts, DOH, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services all work together to respond to algal blooms. DEP has been closely monitoring and testing algal blooms and will continue to respond to any new reports.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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