NEWAYGO, Mich. — A harmful algae bloom is confirmed on the Hardy Dam Pond Boat Launch in Newaygo County, authorities announced Monday afternoon.
The District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) and Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) confirmed the harmful algae bloom (HAB) and will post signs near the boat launch to notify people to avoid contact with the water.
Contact with HABs should avoided and fish caught from algal bloom impacted areas should not be eaten.
Below are some steps that DHD#10 recommends to take when near 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
Contact with an HAB can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. It is recommended that people keep their pets out of the water where an HAB is present.
DHD#10 says people and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
- 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
If you think that you or your pet have been exposed to algae blooms, DHD#10 recommends you 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
DHD#10 said they will continue to monitor the HAB and will provide updates when available.
