Blue-green algae advisory issued for lake near Fox Creek

A blue-green algae bloom. (Courtesy: Grand River Conservation Authority)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning the public of a blue-green algae bloom in Iosegun Lake near Fox Creek.

Residents living near the shores of the lake as well as visitors are advised to avoid all contact with blooms.

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If contact occurs, AHS says to wash immediately with tap water.

Humans and pets are not to swim or wade in any areas where the blue-green algae is visible.

Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake to pets – exposure can be fatal.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacterial, is naturally occurring and appears like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water. The variety of algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown or pinkish-red and often smell musty or grassy.

People who come into contact or ingest water containing the algae may get a rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms can appear within one to three hours of exposure and usually resolve within a couple of days.

Waters of Iosegun Lake where the algae is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even during the health advisory.

Iosegun Lake is about 240 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.