Alberta Health Services has issued a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) warning for the waters of Shiningbank Lake south of Whitecourt.
People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae or ingest water containing it, may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea.
Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours of exposure and typically resolve within a couple of days.
Exposure to the bacteria can be fatal to pets.
Blue-green algae can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the water’s surface AHS said.
It can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown or pinkish-red and often smells musty or grassy.
People should avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms and to wash with tap water as soon as possible if exposed.
People are also urged not to swim or wade or allow pets to do so in areas where blue-green algae is visible.
Feeding whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake to pets can be fatal.
It is also recommended that people limit their consumption of whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake. Fish filets from Shiningbank Lake are safe for human consumption.
Water where algae is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes during the health advisory.
Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another so the advisory will remain in effect for Shiningbank Lake until further notice.
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