The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has issued an alert to the public about the red tide bloom near Anclote River Park Beach.
Individuals may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms, such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms. Some people with breathing problems may experience more severe symptoms.
DOH-Pasco recommends the following:
- Do not swim around dead fish at this location.
- Be careful and consider staying away from this location as red tide can affect breathing.
- Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish from this location. If fish are healthy, rinse fillets with tap or bottled water and throw out the guts.
- Keep pets and livestock away from water, sea foam and dead sea life.
- Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner.
- If outdoors, residents may choose to wear paper filter masks, especially in windy conditions.
The Florida Poison Control Centers has a toll-free 24/7 hotline for reporting of illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide. Call 888-232-8635.
