Blue-Green Algae continues to bloom across lakes in the region, including Moose Lake says Alberta Health Services. On Wednesday the group released an advisory saying that blooms had been found on the lake. They say people who live near or may visit the water should take the following precautions:
· Avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
· Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae is visible.
· Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
· Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).
Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.
AHS says people who come into contact with the algae can develop symptoms including sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting. Areas of Moose Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory is in place