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Local News

Public Health Advisory issued on toxic algae on Long Lake in Orleans

Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid touching algae or scum on Long Lake in Orleans, in Ionia County.

The Ionia County Health Department, in consultation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Public Health Advisory about toxic algae identified in Long Lake.

People and pets should avoid direct body contact with scummy water in the lake, with water that looks like spilled paint, and water that has a green sheen to it. These scums may contain flecks, foam, or clumps. People and pets should also avoid swallowing lake water.

Based on current information, Ionia County Health Department is not advising that people or pets avoid normal lake recreation activities including boating, fishing, and swimming, which are currently considered safe.

 

The advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution to help people avoid any algal blooms in the lake. The cautionary advice is based on water samples taken Sept. 11. Advice may change when more information becomes available. Also, the amount of algae present in the lake could change quickly. //

 

Although most algal blooms are not harmful, there are some that are a type of cyanobacteria that produce toxins – and can result in a harmful algal blooms (HAB). These toxins can affect the liver, nervous system, and/or skin. The type of toxin that can produce a HAB was detected in two of four samples from Long Lake taken on Sept. 11.

 

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) intends to take additional samples later this week. Residents should remain cautious about contacting algae or potential HABs until at least two additional samples of the lake test clear of algal toxins.

 

Some factors that can contribute to HABs include sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, warmer temperatures, and excess nutrients (phosphorus or nitrogen). The primary sources of nutrient pollution are runoff of fertilizers, animal manure, sewage treatment plant discharges, storm water runoff, car and power plant emissions, and failing septic tanks.

 

If you touch HABs, swallow water with HAB toxins, or breathe in water droplets, you could get a rash, have an allergic reaction, a stomach ache, or feel dizzy or light-headed. HABs also are toxic to pets.

 

Always look for HABs before going in the water. Check for any posted HAB advisories. Stay out of water that might have a HAB, do not let your children or pets play in HAB debris on the shore. After swimming or wading in lake water, even where no HABs are visible, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.

 

Never swallow any lake or river water, whether you see HABs or not, do not let pets lick HAB material from their fur or eat HAB material, do not drink or cook with lake water and see a doctor if you or your children might be ill from HAB toxins. If your pet appears ill, contact your veterinarian.

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