Residents and pet owners should avoid Green Lake, Lake Washington, and Lake Wilderness due to hazardous algae blooms. These lakes are dangerous for people and pets due to poisonous algae. Authorities advise against contact.
Toxic algae bloom found in King County lakes (Photo: Washington State Department of Ecology)
Toxic Algae Threatens King County Waters, Poses Risks to Humans and Pets
The Public Health – Seattle & King County press release cautions that toxic algae blooms in Green Lake, Lake Washington, and Lake Wilderness may contaminate other King County lakes, ponds, and streams. Identified toxicity levels could injure humans and kill pets. For safety, the government encourages people and pet owners to avoid water with visible algae or warning signs.
Sunlight, sediment composition, and human pollution flow can cause algal blooms in lakes. Any period can bring these summer and fall blossoms. The government advises against letting dogs drink or have algae on their coats from algae-covered water bodies.
In water with algal blooms, pet owners should not let their pets lick their fur and promptly clean them, hands, and skin with tap water. Low energy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty of breathing, and convulsions can occur minutes or hours after exposure, thus Public Health advises monitoring pets. If a pet seems sick, call a vet.
READ ALSO: Unraveling The Cantaloupe Crisis: Key Facts On The Lethal Salmonella Outbreak!
Recognizing the Effects of Toxic Algae Exposure and Ensuring Safety
People with exposure experience lip numbness, finger and toe tingling, disorientation, diarrhea, and vomiting hours later. As algae blooms and toxin levels change quickly, Public Health advises staying out of water when in doubt.
Toxicity may exist without algae. Event organizers or city parks administrations should be consulted regarding New Year’s Day polar bear plunge impacts. A free sampling kit from the state Department of Ecology can be requested to determine toxicity after an algae bloom. Algae flourish in warmer temperatures, therefore awareness, population growth, and climate change may have increased sample submissions.
READ ALSO: Increase In Flu And COVID-19 Cases: Minnesota Braces For Surge Ahead Of Christmas Gatherings
