Latest news with #DOH-Volusia
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae alert issued for Lake George and Lorraine by Volusia County Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in the center of Lake George and the west shore of Lorraine Lake. With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant. • Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present. • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms What is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together. Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful? Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure. If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0694. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida Department of Health issues rabies alert in Volusia County
The Brief The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) issued a rabies alert in Volusia County. This alert came in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a cat that was captured in Ormond Beach on/around March 3, 2025. DOH-Volusia is warning residents and visitors to be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population. ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health has issued a rabies alert in Volusia County. This alert is for 60 days and includes several boundaries in Volusia County. What we know The rabies alert was issued in response to a confirmed case of rabies in an unvaccinated cat, according to the Florida Department of Health. The cat was captured in Ormond Beach near the intersection of Collins Street and Hand Avenue on March 3, 2025. Now, the Department of Health says it is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. The alert is active for 60 days and includes four boundaries in Volusia County: Eastern boundary: South Center St./South Orchard St., Ormond Beach Northern Boundary: State Road 40 or West Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Southern Boundary: Gold Ave./Calle Grande St., Ormond Beach. Western Boundary: Clyde Morris Blvd., Ormond Beach. What you can do All individuals are advised to be aware of rabies currently present in the wild animal population. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County urges people and domestic animals to always avoid physical contact with wild animals. A few of these animals include: Raccoons Bats Foxes Skunks Otters Bobcats Coyotes Here are a few precautions officials recommend for residents looking to prevent rabies exposure: Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian's recommended schedule. Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets. By the numbers Here are several contacts and organizations to call with any questions or concerns regarding rabies in Volusia County: If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Volusia Sheriff's Office, 386-248-1777. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Volusia by calling 386-274-0634. Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Volusia County Animal Services, 386-248-1790 or email AnimalControl@ Visit or contact DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0634. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.
