Alberta Health Services is warning residents that blue-green algae is currently present in the waters of Lake Isle in the counties of Parkland and Lac St. Anne.
Health officials say those living near the shores of the lake and any recreational users should avoid contact with the water for the time being.
The blue-green algae is said to produce a toxin that can cause serious illness to animals or humans who drink or have skin contact with water containing this toxin.
Officials state that in some instances, animals such as dogs and cattle have died as a result of ingesting toxin produced by the blue-green algae. There have been no reports of human deaths resulting from blue-green algae poisoning.
Symptoms of the algae poisoning in humans may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Dizziness, stomach
- Cramps and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin and eye irritation
- Sore throat and swollen lips
- Symptoms seldom persist for more than two or three days.
Alberta Health Services advises people to take the following precautions in lakes where blue-green algae is present:
- Do not drink water from or allow your pets to drink water from these lakes.
- Do not consume any fish from the lake when a blue-green bloom is present.
- Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in water containing visible blooms.
- Avoid contact with blue-green algae dried on the shorelines.
If you suspect a problem related to the algae bloom or if you require further information on blue-green algae, please contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.
