Blue-green algae health advisory issued for Reesor Lake

Alberta Health Services has issued a blue-green algae bloom health advisory for Reesor Lake. AHS advises that anyone heading to the lake avoid all contact with the algae, and if contact occurs to wash with clean tap water as soon as possible. Lake goers are also asked to neither swim nor wade in the lake or allow pets to. Do not feed whole fish from the lake or fish trimmings to pets and to consider also limiting human consumption of the lake’s fish or any fish trimmings. Also do not drink untreated water from the lake, and residents are advised boiling water alone does not remove algae toxins from lake water.
People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), or who ingest water containing blue-green algae, may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more severe; however, all people are at risk of these symptoms.
If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online, at http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/bga.asp
Reesor Lake is still open for recreational purposes, but lake goers are asked to avoid any area of the lake where algae blooms are visible.

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