Health department issues alert for blue-green algae toxins in Tiger Lake near Lake Wales

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Tiger Lake, located east of Lake Wales.

A water sample taken Tuesday in the center of Tiger Lake detected cyanotoxins, which are associated with blue-green algae, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. No bloom was observed, the DEP reported on its website.

The Health Department warns against drinking or swimming in the lake. Water contaminated with toxic cyanobacteria can cause nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, acute liver failure, according to the DEP.

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Blue-green algae can be caused by excess nutrients from fertilizer runoff. Other factors that contribute to toxins are sunny days, warm water temperatures and still water conditions, the Department of Health said.

The department issued a health alert in February for Scott Lake near Lakeland based on a water sample. That alert has not yet been lifted.