Red tide health alerts issued for beaches in Bonita Springs and Captiva

Health officials in Lee County are notifying beachgoers that two red tide blooms have been reported in beaches in Bonita Springs and on Captiva.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee issued alerts for Bonita Beach Park and South Seas Plantation Beach around 5 p.m. Friday [2/26].

"Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms," the alerts say. "Some individuals with breathing problems such as asthma might experience more severe symptoms."

Red tide is caused by the naturally occurring Karenia brevis organism. Symptoms from red tide exposure should go away after a person leaves the area or heads inside, the alerts say.

"If symptoms do not subside, please contact your health care provider for evaluation," a news release recommends.