MASON COUNTY, Mich. — Harmful algae blooms (HAB) have been confirmed in Bass Lake and Hamlin Lake in Mason County, according to District Health Department #10 and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
The HAB in Bass Lake was confirmed on Aug. 12 and the HAB in Hamlin Lake was confirmed on Aug. 13.
DHD #10 said algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels in bodies of water, coupled with warm temperatures.
Signage has been posted at Bass Lake near two different boat launches.
Officials said there were no public access points available near the HAB in Hamlin Lake.
There are steps to take to protect yourself when there are HABs in the waterways:
- Avoid direct contact with waterways that appear to be scummy or have a green shade to them
- Do not drink untreated surface water
- Obey posted signage for public health advisories and/or beach closings
- Limit or avoid eating fish from algal bloom-impacted areas
- Always follow the Eat Safe Fish waterbody-specific guidelines or Statewide Safe Fish guidelines, even if a HAB has not been detected, by visiting: https://www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish
Contact with HABs can make humans sick and can be fatal to pets. It's important to keep pets out of water that show any sign of HABs.
After exposure to HABs, people and pets can experience the following symptoms:
- Rash, hives, or skin blisters at the contact site
- Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions
- Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even death resulting from ingesting contaminated water
Officials said if you think you or your pet have been exposed to HABs there are steps you can take to try to reduce risk, such as:
- Immediately remove yourself and/or your pet from the area
- Take a shower and thoroughly rinse off pets with clean, fresh water if they swam in an area with algae blooms to avoid potential toxic ingestion from licking between paws or affected areas
- Seek medical treatment for yourself and/or veterinary treatment for your pet as soon as possible if you think you or your pet may have been exposed to or ingested algal toxins
