A bloom of toxic blue-green algae has prompted state officials to close a swimming area in Saint Albans.
The Health Department warned swimmers to stay out of the water in Saint Albans Bay. Officials may extend the ban to Cohen Park and Burton Island State Park if the bloom spreads.
The threat may be off-shore as well. State toxicologist Bill Bress says boaters should be careful to keep themselves and their pets out of water that’s coated with the algae scum.
Skin exposure can result in irritation or allergic reactions. Ingesting the toxic algae can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Children are considered to be at higher risk because they are more likely to drink water while swimming.
The algae blooms are caused by high levels of nutrients that flow into the lake.