Residents and visitors in the Black River area, near Wolfville, are advised that the beach in Lumsden Pond Provincial Park is closed until further notice because of a possible blue-green algae bloom.
The rest of the park remains open.
“Blue-green algae blooms are naturally occurring and the potential health risks can be prevented with simple precautions, which include avoiding contact with the water,” said medical officer of health Dr. Richard Gould.
While the risk is low, toxins produced by some blue-green algae can affect health. People should not drink the water or use it to prepare or cook food, or to brush teeth. Boiling the water will not eliminate potential toxins.
People who have ingested water containing toxins from blue-green algae may experience stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Recreational use of the water, bathing and showering is also not advised. Direct contact with toxins from the algae can cause skin and eye irritation. If symptoms persist after a few days, consult a health care provider.
Pets and other animals should not be permitted to drink or swim in the water.
More information is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/water/docs/BlueGreenAlgae.pdf .
Source: Release