NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. — An algae bloom detected on a lake in Newaygo County in June has now been confirmed to be harmful to humans and animals.
Samples from the bloom, detected on Hess Lake on June 26, have confirmed it to be a harmful algae bloom (HAB) that can cause illness in humans and possible death in animals.
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) worked in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to acquire and test the algae.
DHD#10 is warning people to avoid contact with the water in Hess Lake and to take these measures when near the water:
- 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.
DHD#10 will also be posting warning signs near the boat launch of the lake.
If you come in contact with a HAB, take the following precautions:
- 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.
Contact with HABs can cause minor illnesses in humans but can kill pets. Some symptoms in humans and pets from exposure to HABs include:
- 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.
“Not all algal blooms are harmful, but the results from this particular bloom have classified it as harmful,” stated Meghan Stih, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHD#10. “Harmful algae bloom toxins can be hazardous to aquatic life, pets, and humans, so it is very important to avoid areas where these blooms have been identified.”
Since the initial testing, DHD#10 has collected additional samples to be sent to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for testing.
You can stay up to date on any advisories at Hess Lake by following the DHD#10 Facebook page.
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