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SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Mason County — District Health Department No. 10 and state environmental officials have confirmed a harmful algae bloom at Bass Lake in Mason County.
The bloom was confirmed Monday, Aug. 17, by DHD No. 10 in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Health officials said they will continue monitoring the harmful algae bloom, or HAB, and provide updates as they become available. Signs will be posted at the lake’s public access site advising people to avoid contact with the water in the affected area as a precaution.
Algae blooms can develop when warm temperatures combine with high nutrient levels in lakes and other bodies of water.
Officials are advising people to avoid direct contact with water that appears scummy or has a green color and not to drink untreated surface water. People should also follow posted public health advisories or beach closings and limit or avoid eating fish from areas affected by an algae bloom.
Contact with harmful algae can cause illness in people and can be fatal to pets. Health officials recommend keeping pets out of water showing signs of an algae bloom.
Symptoms following exposure can include rashes, hives or skin blisters; watery eyes or a runny nose; sore throat; asthma-like symptoms; and allergic reactions. Ingesting contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, tingling or numbness, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Severe exposure can be fatal.
Anyone who believes they or their pet has been exposed should immediately leave the affected area. People who have been in the water should shower, while pets should be thoroughly rinsed with clean, fresh water.
Officials said rinsing pets is particularly important because animals can ingest toxins while licking their paws or fur after leaving contaminated water.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to or ingested algal toxins should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Veterinary treatment should be sought for pets that may have been exposed.
More information about harmful algae blooms, including reported locations and frequently asked questions, is available through EGLE’s harmful algal bloom program at michigan.gov/egle.
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