Alberta Health Services has released two blue-green algae advisories this week, one for Vincent Lake, located north of St. Paul, and the other for Stoney Lake, located south of St. Paul.
A blue-green algae bloom has been identified in areas of Vincent Lake and Stoney Lake, according to AHS media releasse. Residents living around the shores of the lakse, along with visitors to the lakes, are being advised to take necessary precautions.
AHS advises avoiding all contact with the algae blooms, and if contact does occur, wash with tap water as soon as possible. It is also advised to avoid swimming or wading where the algae is visible, and don't allow pets to swim in the areas either.
Pet owners should also avoid feedings fish or fish trimmings from the lakes to their pets, and humans should limit consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from the lakes since fish may store toxins in their liver. People can consume fish fillets from the lakes.
Blue-Green algae is naturally occurring and usually becomes visible when conditions are calm, appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water.
People who come in contact with the blue-green algae can experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms in children can be more pronounced, according to AHS.
