Red Tide Levels On The Rise, Sarasota County Health Alert Issued

Sarasota FL

30 September, 2021

9:41 AM

Description

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — After elevated levels of red tide were detected in Monday's water samples from multiple Sarasota County beaches, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County issued a health alert in the area. Beaches affected include Longboat Key, Bird Key Park, North Lido, Lido Casino, South Lido, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach, Service Club, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard, Caspersen, Manasota Key, and Blind Pass, G. Steve Huard, DOH-Sarasota public information officer, said in an email. Only two beaches — Siesta Key and Turtle — showed no signs of red tide, he added. The DOH-Sarasota has displayed signs at these beaches warning the public that red tide is present and could cause health issues for some people. Related Story: Could Clay Kill Red Tide? Mote Scientists, Partners Think So Karenia brevis, the red tide organism, produces brevetoxins that affect the central nervous system of fish and other vertebrates and can kill them, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. When waves break open the red tide organism's cells, it releases the toxins into the air, which can cause respiratory irritation. "Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation like those associated with the common cold or seasonal sinus allergies. Some individuals with existing breathing problems such as asthma might experience more severe effects," DOH-Sarasota said in a news release. These symptoms usually go away when a person goes indoors or leaves the beach. Health officials recommend that those who are sensitive to red tide or are experiencing symptoms avoid the beach or go into an air-conditioned space. If symptoms don't go away, they should see a health care provider. Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Sarasota newsletters and real-time email alerts. The DOH makes the following recommendations with the current levels of red tide in Sarasota County: Don't swim around dead fish.If you have chronic respiratory problems, consider staying away from the beach as red tide can affect your breathing.Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish and distressed or dead fish. 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 who experience respiratory symptoms are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Florida Poison Control Centers have a toll-free 24/7 hotline for reporting of illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide at 888-232-8635. Sarasota County's latest updates on red tide and data from regional partners can be found online here.