Blue-green algae warning issued for Lac Ste. Anne

Blue-green algae has been found at Lac Ste. Anne. Alberta Health Services says people should stay away from blooms and rinse off immediately if you touch it.

Visitors to Lac Ste. Anne are being warned about a blue-green algae bloom.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a release Monday saying cyanobacteria had been found in the lake.

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The algae, which can look like scum, grass clippings or fuzz on water’s surface, is 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, because boiling will not remove toxins produced by the bacteria.

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