Blue-green algae advisory issued for Isle Lake

Samples from a bloom of blue-green algae taken from the French River have been confirmed to be a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins. (File)

Visitors to Isle Lake should watch out for blue-green algae.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a release Friday saying cyanobacteria had been found in the lake that spans the Parkland and Lac Ste. Anne Counties.

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The algae, which can appear like scum, grass clippings or fuzz on water’s surface, can be harmful to people and animals that come into contact with it.

Symptoms include skin irritation, rash, sore throat and eyes, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

People and pets should not swim or wade where algae is present or eat whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake, AHS said, but fish filets are safe.

Any area of the lake where the bacteria are not present is safe to use. AHS said untreated water from any body of water should never be used for drinking or cooking.

For more information, visit the AHS website. Anyone who suspects illness related to cyanobacteria can also call Health Link at 811.