The Florida Department of Health in Orange County on Wednesday issued a health alert after officials identified a blue‑green algae bloom along the northwest shore of Lake Como. Public health staff said water samples are being collected to test for cyanotoxins and that visible scum, paint‑like streaks, or foul‑smelling water should be treated as potentially hazardous. Sensitive people, including children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, face a higher risk if toxins are present.
DOH‑Orange issues alert
As reported by WFTV, the county notice singles out the lake’s northwest shore and urges people not to drink, swim, wade, or operate personal watercraft in areas with visible blooms. County officials told the station they will keep testing until results are in and will lift the alert when samples show no toxins. The WFTV story also lists a DOH‑Orange contact number for local questions.
Precautions for people, pets and fish
State guidance on harmful algal blooms warns that boiling water will not remove cyanotoxins and that skin contact can cause irritation or rashes. The Florida Department of Health's HABs page says fillets from healthy fish can be eaten if filleted, rinsed, and cooked thoroughly, but it advises against eating shellfish or distressed fish from affected waters. Officials recommend washing exposed skin and clothing with soap and water and keeping pets and livestock away from discolored water.
How to report blooms or illness
To report suspected blooms, residents can use the state's Protecting Florida Together portal or call the Department of Environmental Protection’s toll‑free line at 1‑855‑305‑3903. Fish kills or stranded wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 800‑636‑0511, and anyone who develops symptoms after exposure should contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800‑222‑1222. DOH‑Orange also provided a county number for health questions.
Lake Como in context
Lake Como is listed on the Orange County Water Atlas, which tracks routine monitoring and volunteer sampling that feed local water‑quality efforts. Central Florida sees frequent blooms when warm, still conditions combine with nutrient runoff, and state dashboards show advisories can move quickly from one waterbody to another. Residents who plan to fish or recreate on local lakes should check the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard for sampling updates before heading out.
DOH‑Orange said it will lift the alert once follow‑up testing indicates toxins are not present, and it urged anyone with health concerns to contact their doctor or the county health office. For real‑time maps and sample results, check the state’s Protecting Florida Together portal.
