Health advisory issued for Pigeon Lake

LEDUC COUNTY -- Alberta Health Services has issued an advisory for Pigeon Lake.

AHS says that this is due to the recent detection of cyanobacteria -- otherwise known as blue-green algae -- in the lake. Cyanobacteria is naturally occurring, and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. It can appear like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of water, and can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/or pinkish-red, and can often smell musty or grassy.

Residents are advised to avoid swimming in areas where blue-green algae blooms are present, and to wash yourself with tap water as soon as possible if contact does occur. AHS also asks residents to not allow pets to swim in areas with blue-green algae, as it can be fatal. They recommend limiting the consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from Pigeon Lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver.

Those who come in contact with visible cyanobacteria may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms can usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. It's also noted that the waters of Pigeon Lake in which the cyanobacterial bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the Health Advisory is in place.

Alberta Health Services say they continue to monitor the situation.