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SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Mason County — District Health Department #10 and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have confirmed that a reported algae bloom in Bass Lake is harmful.
This is the second time this summer that a harmful algae bloom was detected on Bass Lake.
The harmful algae bloom was confirmed in Bass Lake, Wednesday, Sept. 9. “DHD#10 will continue to monitor the harmful algae bloom and will provide updates to the public when available,” states a press release.
“Algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels within bodies of water along with warm temperatures. Signs will be posted at the public access site of the lake to notify individuals to avoid contact with the water in that area as a precautionary measure.”
Take the following steps when near waterways:
- Avoid direct contact with waterways that appear to be scummy or have a green shade to them
- Do not drink untreated surface water
- Obey posted signage for public health advisories and/or beach closings
- Limit or avoid eating fish from algal bloom impacted areas
Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. It is recommended that people keep their pets out of water that shows any signs of algae blooms.
People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
- Rash, hives, or skin blisters at the contact site
- Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions
- Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even death resulting from ingesting contaminated water
If you think that you or your pet has been exposed to algae blooms, take the following precautions:
- Immediately remove yourself and/or your pet from the area
- Take a shower and thoroughly rinse off pets with clean, fresh water if they swam in an area with algae blooms to avoid potential toxic ingestion from licking between paws or affected areas
- Seek medical treatment for yourself and/or veterinary treatment for your pet as soon as possible if you think you or your pet may have been exposed to or ingested algal toxins
If you would like to learn more about algae blooms, EGLE has more information on what algae blooms are, where they are located, and frequently asked questions here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/glwarm/harmful-algal-blooms.
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