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LUDINGTON — District Health Department No. 10, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, has lifted harmful algal bloom advisories for Bass Lake and Hamlin Lake in Mason County.
Health officials continue to advise people and pets to avoid water that appears scummy, discolored or green because harmful algal blooms may still be present in isolated areas.
People should not drink untreated surface water and should obey posted public health advisories or beach closures. Consumption of fish caught in areas affected by algal blooms should also be limited or avoided.
Contact with harmful algal blooms can cause rashes, hives, skin blisters, eye or nasal irritation, sore throats, asthma-like symptoms and allergic reactions. Ingesting contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, numbness, dizziness, breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, death.
Exposure can also be fatal to pets. Animals should be kept away from water showing signs of an algal bloom. A pet that enters potentially contaminated water should be thoroughly rinsed with clean, fresh water to prevent it from ingesting toxins while licking its paws or fur.
Anyone who believes they or a pet has been exposed should leave the area immediately, shower or rinse the animal with fresh water and seek medical or veterinary treatment as soon as possible if symptoms develop or contaminated water may have been ingested.
More information about harmful algal blooms is available through EGLE at michigan.gov/egle.
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