The Florida Department of Health in Martin County reminds residents to avoid contact with visible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in any waterbody. Advisory signage is in place in public access points from Port Mayaca near Lake Okeechobee up through Sandsprit Park in Stuart. Additional signage will be put in place as necessary and as sampling results become available.

Test results today and in recent weeks from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have confirmed the presence of the toxin, microcystin. Exposure to water containing algae toxins may cause gastrointestinal effects if swallowed and rash if touched or inhaled.

If you spot blue-green algae, contact DEP at 407-897-4177. Additional information is available at: https://depnewsroom.wordpress.com/south-florida-algal-bloom-monitoring-and-response/

To report a fish kill, contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at 800-636-0511.

For health related questions, contact the Florida Department of Health in Martin County at 772-221-4090.

For more information about blue-green algae, log on to www.MartinCountyHealth.com.