'Avoid all contact': Strathmore residents, visitors told to avoid areas of Eagle Lake
Health officials are advising nearby residents and visitors take precautions because of the presence of blue-green algae in a Strathmore lake.
The bloom of cyanobacteria, which looks like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water, can cause skin irritation, sore, red eyes and rashes in those that come into contact with it.
Anyone who manages to ingest infected water may experience a sore throat, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
"Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days," Alberta Health Services (AHS) said in a release.
"Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.
"Exposure to the bacteria may be fatal to pets."
As a result of the presence of the algae, AHS says everyone must stay out of the water until further notice.
"Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible," officials said.
Whole fish and fish trimmings from Eagle Lake should not be fed to pets and people should consider limiting what they eat from it.
Albertans should not drink or cook with any untreated water taken directly from any recreational lake and boiling the water will not remove the toxins produced by the blue-green algae, AHS says.
The water should not be used on edible plants either.
"This is particularly important for plants with edible parts exposed to the ground surface (such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad vegetables)," AHS said.
Any location where the bloom is not visible is safe for recreational purposes, but AHS says the bloom could move from one location to another because of weather or wind.
More information on blue-green algae can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.