District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is lifting the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisories for Bass Lake and Hamlin Lake, effective Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Though the reported HAB advisories for Bass Lake and Hamlin Lake are being lifted, DHD#10 still advises residents, visitors and their pets avoid areas where algal blooms are present.
Below are some steps to take when near waterways:
• Avoid direct contact with waterways that appear to be scummy or have a green shade to them.
• Do not drink untreated surface water.
• Obey posted signage for public health advisories and/or beach closings.
• Limit or avoid eating fish from algal bloom-impacted areas.
Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illnesses in humans but can be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is also recommended that people keep their pets out of the water that shows any signs of algae blooms.
People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
• Rash, hives, or skin blisters at the contact site
• Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions
• Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even death resulting from ingesting contaminated water
To learn more about algae blooms, EGLE has more information on what algae blooms are, where they are located, and frequently asked questions here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/....
