GLOCESTER – The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management say the public should once again avoid contact with Coomer Lake in Glocester due to blue-green algae blooms.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. RI DEM reportedly collected water samples from the pond that detected the toxins.
Skin contact with blue-green algae can irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, while ingesting the algae can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as well as dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.
All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. Owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. Animals suffering from blue-green algae poisoning can suffer symptoms including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness.
Any person or pet who comes in contact with the contaminated water should wash off their skin with clean water as soon as possible, and then bathe and wash their clothes. If a person or pet is experiencing symptoms a healthcare provider should be contacted.
The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
More information on blue-green algae can be found here.
