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More than 100 people visit ER with algae related symptoms


A Palm City woman tells me she has been dealing with this for several weeks this summer. Luckily it’s gone for now but she says her symptoms are not. (WPEC)
A Palm City woman tells me she has been dealing with this for several weeks this summer. Luckily it’s gone for now but she says her symptoms are not. (WPEC)
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The algae crisis continues on the Treasure Coast. The spokesperson for Martin Health Systems said from July 23 until the beginning of September, 125 people have come in with symptoms related to algae exposure. The major symptoms are gastrointestinal issues, upper respiratory issues and red rashes after being exposed to the St. Lucie River and the toxic blue green algae. Martin Health Systems first report stated just over 70 people were treated at the end of July and beginning of August so that number has continued to rise.

CBS12 talked with one woman who lives on the water and said her whole family has been sick for weeks. She said the algae is to blame.

"We pay a premium to live on the water and instead we’re getting sick but no one is doing anything about it," said Lauren Alexander. She continued, "children have respiratory issues and so do I. We're all lethargic." She said they only feel that way when they've been outside or near the water, which they try to not to do.

She also said it doesn't help they live so close to the St. Lucie Lock and Dam.

"This is one of the first cuts into the land," said Alexander. She continued when the algae comes in you "can’t tell the difference between grass and algae."

She said they've lost their whole summer to the green gunk and recently moved to the water front home to enjoy it.

Now, she's just hoping for action.

"The government is supposed to take care of us not pollute us," said Alexander. She said the water was clear this week but she waits and worries for the algae to build up again. "It just ends up all stocked up at the end and we're sitting in it all the time," said Alexander.

Scientists at FAU Harbor Branch are currently testing people who have been exposed to the algae. They've done three sessions at Florida Sportman in Stuart, testing around 80 people. They are trying to determine how the cyanobacteria gets in your body and how it effects you. They take three samples: a nasal swab, urine and blood. If you would like to be tested, Florida Sportman posts on their Facebook page when they are doing another testing session or you can contact Harbor Branch directly at 772-466-9876.

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