'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
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.