Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 - The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit is advising residents and visitors to avoid swimming or wading near the shoreline of the Bay of Quinte near Zwick’s Park West and the George Street boat launch, particularly when a noticeable green surface scum or green discolouration of the water is observed.

“Residents are advised not to eat fish caught in these areas and not to let children or pets contact or drink from the water,” explains Dave Dodgson, Manager, Environmental Health.

Some blue green algae have the potential to produce toxins or skin irritants. Adverse health effects are mainly caused by ingesting water that is contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. Skin contact with blue-green algae contaminated water can cause skin irritation and itching. Blue-green algae toxins, if present in sufficient amounts, can cause headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, skin rashes and mucous membrane irritation.

Anyone who has recently been in direct contact with the waters of the Bay of Quinte near Zwick’s Park West or the George Street boat launch and is experiencing headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, is advised to contact a physician.

Municipal drinking water supplies in the area are being monitored. Blue-green algae blooms are not a concern for groundwater supplies. If you are taking drinking water from the Bay of Quinte in the area of active blooms don’t drink, cook or shower with the water and contact a water treatment specialist. Toxins are not removed by boiling or by using household disinfection.

More information on blue-green algae can be found at:

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/5087.pdf
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/5089.pdf
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/cyanobacter-eng.php
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/cyanobacteria/en/