SERENE SCENE — This tranquil scene at Lake George may look to the untrained eye like it contains harmful algae, but the water probably just contains aquatic plants, natural biofilm and naturally occurring algae. Harmful algae blooms can be detected by water testing, and trained experts.

BEACON FILE PHOTO

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake George in response to a water sample taken Aug. 8.

The department cautions residents and visitors to avoid visible blooms, wash skin and clothing that has come in contact with algae, and keep pets away from the area. Eating filets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe, while eating shellfish is not.

For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County at 386-274-0694.

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