ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — The presence of algal toxin microcystin in an Allegan County lake has been confirmed.
On Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, the county’s health department reported that officials from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy positively affirmed that what is more commonly known as “blue-green algae bloom” is present in that lake in Cheshire Township. Samples taken from two locations last Thursday, using test strips, confirmed initial fears.
“People and pets should avoid water-related activities until the bloom dissipates,” Allegan County Health Public Information Officer Lindsay Maunz said in a department statement.
From the earlier story issued before the confirmation was announced: Summer is peak season for these types of algal blooms, appearing Michigan typically during periods of warm temperatures, lots of sun, and high nutrient levels.
It’s impossible to see whether or not an algal bloom has harmful toxins, which is why health officials are urging people to avoid contact with water where algal mats or significant rafts of algae are visible.
County health officials issued the following recommendations:
- Avoid areas with scummy water in the lake or with water that looks like spilled paint or has a green sheen to it. These scums may contains flecks, foam or clumps.
- Avoid water-related activities in areas where the bloom is visible. Individuals that have skin contact, swallow large amounts, or play in the water are susceptible to illness. Read more here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_3681_3686_3728-383630–,00.html#5
- Keep pets from drinking or playing in the lake water. Symptoms of illness from cyanotoxins often appear quicker in animals than in humans – sometimes in minutes to a few hours. Symptoms in animals can include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, staggered walking, excessive salivation, convulsions, erratic behavior, or physical distress. Dogs should be thoroughly rinsed off or bathed with fresh water after contact with water that may contain algae, even if it’s not toxic algae.
Additional reporting by Gary Stevens
