Suspected algal bloom spotted on Duck Lake
CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Allegan County Health Department is telling residents to avoid any water-related activities on Duck Lake after a suspected bloom of blue-green algae was spotted.
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Samples have been sent to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services to confirm the presence of blue-green algae.
Algal blooms typically occur in the summer when warm temperatures and sunshine combine with nutrients in the water to feed the algae.
“It is not possible to determine whether algal blooms contain harmful toxins by looking at them, so it is best to avoid contact with any body of water covered with algal mats or significant rafts of algae on the surface,” the Allegan County Health Department said in a statement Friday.
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Harmful algal blooms can last for several days and sometimes even months. The water will look “scummy” or like “spilled paint or pea soup.”
If a person has contact or swallows water containing cyanotoxins, they may experience a variety of symptoms, including stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, headaches, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
Pets can also react to toxins and typically show symptoms before humans. If your pet has had contact with contaminated water and shows similar symptoms along with excessive drooling or staggered walking, residents are encouraged to contact a local veterinarian.
If you or a pet have been exposed to a harmful algal bloom, the health department recommends you shower or bathe immediately. You should also reach out to your local medical provider or poison control.
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