ST. PAUL - An Alberta Health Services (AHS) notice confirms that blue-green algae has been noted at Floatingstone Lake, located within the County of St. Paul.
Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to this lake, are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding areas were there are cyanobacterial blooms present, according to information released by AHS on July 19.
"If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible," says AHS. Keeping pets away from areas were blue-green algae is present is also important.
As always, people are reminded to never drive or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water.
"An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active," says AHS. "Exposure to the bacteria may be fatal to pets."
People who come in contact with visible cyanobacteria or who ingest water containing cyanobacteria may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in a day or two. Symptoms in children can be more pronounced.
The advisory will remain in effect for Floatingstone Lake, until further notice.
