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Department of Health in Lee County Reminds Residents and Visitors to Avoid Contact with Algae
August 26, 2020
DOH-Lee Issues Caution Advisory for Highlander Canal
Contact:
Tammy Yzaguirre
Lee-PIO@flhealth.gov
(239)308-5196
Lee County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is issuing a cautionary health advisory for the City of Cape Coral – Highlander Canal based on observations of algae in the canal. The Highlander Canal is the same body of water as the Makai Canal where algae has been confirmed to contain microcystin toxins. When algae is visible, DOH-Lee recommends individuals boating in the canal avoid contact with the water. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will continue to post updates for the Highlander 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.
The City of Cape Coral, 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.
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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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