RI Health Warns of Blue-Green Algae in 3 Roger Williams Park Lakes, & 4 Other Waterbodies

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RI Health Warns of Blue-Green Algae in 3 Roger Williams Park Lakes, & 4 Other Waterbodies

RI Health warns of blue-green algae in seven waterbodies statewide. PHOTO: ASPCA
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is warning residents to avoid contact with three waterbodies in Roger Williams Park, as well as, four other bodies of water across the state due to blue-green algae.

The three lakes in Roger Williams Park include Pleasure Lake, Elm, and Roosevelt. 

“All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from these waters. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice,” says RIDOH.

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The four other bodies of water are:

  • Almy Pond, Newport
  • Sisson Pond, Portsmouth
  • JL Curran Reservoir, Cranston
  • Mashapaug Pond. Providence

 

Blue-Green Algae

According to the Department of Health, blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.

Contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat.

Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins.

People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

If residents come into contact with the water, they should rinse skin with clean water as soon as possible and take a shower and wash clothes when they get home.

Similarly, if a pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash it with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur.

If a pet shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water, call a veterinarian.


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