Red tide found at South Marco Beach. What to know

South Marco Beach is the latest beach where red tide is present.

State health officials are warning beachgoers at the popular Marco Island beach to be cautious if they have health issues.

It is the third beach in three days in Collier County where the algae bloom that can cause respiratory distress has been confirmed.

More: Beach walking in Southwest Florida? Be aware of noxious red tide

A test of Gulf water at South Marco was done Dec. 9, according to the state Department of Health.

Earlier this week Seagate Beach in Naples was the first where the state advised the public to take precautions if they have chronic health issues.

Clam Pass Beach and Barefoot Beach were added to the list the following day (Tuesday).

Officials in Lee County warned red tide is off the coast of Sanibel Island.

Opinion: Opinion: Tracking red tide on Florida’s southwest coast

Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing microscopic algae, called K. brevis, that is found in the Gulf of Mexico.  Tests conducted Dec. 5 confirmed red tide based on water sampling.

A cold front was moving into Southwest Florida on Wednesday. Cold fronts often help break up red tide blooms.

Red tide typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents.

At high enough concentrations, the algae can discolor water so it looks red dish or brown.

Is red tide harmful?  Can it kill pets?

The algae produces potent toxins that can be harmful to people and fish. It can kill pets.

Children, the elderly, anyone who is immunocompromised or with chronic respiratory conditions may be at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.

• Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can be temporary, but people with chronic respiratory conditions should be especially careful.

• Eye irritation: Teary eyes.

• Skin irritation: Rash

What precautions should I follow?

• Look for informational signage posted at most public beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.

• Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning/sore eyes.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.

• Remain cautious and stay away from locations with red tide, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions.

• Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Make sure the air conditioner filter is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.

• Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught alive and healthy, finfish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted, and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.

For additional information on potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health’s harmful algae blooms webpage at floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Will cold front push out red tide from Collier beaches?

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