Health Dept.: Toxin found in Caloosahatchee -Florida
Jun 07, 2011 6:33 PM EDT
Officials with the Lee County Health Department say new tests show a potentially dangerous toxin in the waters of the Caloosahatchee River.
Officials we spoke to say the toxin is produced by blue-green algae and reduces oxygen levels while the bacteria kills off fish.
They say that in high levels, the toxin can also harm swimmers, pets and livestock.
If water is ingested, it can result in a variety of symptoms, such as:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Blisters; and even
Liver damage.
Final results to determine the levels will take a week or so.
In the meantime, health officials are warning people to steer clear of fishing from the river, swimming in it and ingesting the water in any quantity.
- By Chance Seales
NBC News
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