Toxic Algae Detected In 2 Montgomery County Lakes

ROCKVILLE, MD — The toxic algae that recently killed several dogs in the Southeast has been spotted in two Montgomery County lakes. And it's prompted local park officials to issue a fresh warning about the dangers of swimming in these bodies of water.

Elevated levels of microcystin, a toxic substance produced by some species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) were detected at Lake Needwood and Lake Frank, according to Montgomery Parks. Both lakes are located within Rock Creek Regional Park.

If ingested, the toxin can cause liver damage to both humans and pets.

"Of particular concern are dogs that are off-leash and may swim and/or drink from the lake, despite park regulations," Montgomery Parks said in a statement.

Swimming is prohibited at these lakes, but you can still take your boat out or fish. You just need to be very cautious, officials said.

"Signs have been posted around Lake Needwood and Lake Frank and along trails that access the lakes to ensure visitors are aware of the elevated levels of microcystin, and to urge visitors to take precautions," said Montgomery Parks Natural Resources Manager Matt Harper. "Portions of both lakes may be contaminated for the rest of the season. We will continue to monitor and update signs when the warning is lifted."

Montgomery Parks is urging residents to take the following precautions:

• Avoid direct contact with water while boating or fishing
• Swimming is prohibited in lakes at all times
• Keep dogs on leash (as is regularly required at the park), and do not allow them to drink or be in contact with the water
• Wash hands thoroughly prior to eating, drinking, or smoking if someone comes in contact with the water
• Only eat properly cooked muscle meat of fish that are caught in the lake

Reports nationwide of dogs dying after swimming in ponds containing blue-green algae have surfaced in the past week.

In North Carolina, Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz took their three dogs — two West Highland terriers and a golden doodle mix — on a doggie playdate to swim in a pond and play in the mud.

Within minutes of leaving the pond, one of the dogs began having a seizure, owner Melissa Martin said on Facebook. By the end of the night, all three dogs were dead, the victims of blue-green algae poisoning, according to the dog owners.

"At 12:08 AM, our dogs crossed the rainbow bridge together," Martin wrote. "They contracted blue green algae poisoning and there was nothing they could do. We are gutted. I wish I could do today over. "

Several dogs have also reportedly died after swimming in an Austin, Texas lake believed to have been contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to health officials, blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are photosynthetic bacteria that are a natural part of the aquatic environment. Blue-green algae are often present in lakes in small or moderate amounts, but can grow and proliferate quickly in warm, fresh water that is rich with nutrients.

Harmful algae blooms may appear as a thick scum layer or green paint on the surface of the water, and can be a variety of colors such as blue, green or brown and may have a foul odor, says the EPA.
Most blue-green algae is harmless, but the production of toxins is what makes an algal bloom harmful, according to experts. Microcystin is the most well-known toxin produced during a harmful algal bloom, and it can cause a variety of symptoms by affecting the skin, liver, GI tract and nervous system.

A high abundance of algae can block sunlight to underwater bay grasses, consume oxygen in the water leading to fish kills, produce surface scum and odors, and interfere with the feeding of shellfish and other organisms that filter water to obtain their food. Some algal species can also produce chemicals that are toxic to humans and aquatic life, says the Maryland Department of Health.

Harmful algae can cause illness in young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, as well as animals. Symptoms of exposure to algal toxins include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, or wheezing.

Marylanders are asked to report algae blooms and any health problems from them to the Maryland Department of Health toll-free at (866) 703-3266, or your local county health department.

You can find the current conditions at your favorite Maryland beaches online, or download the Maryland Healthy Beaches app, available for Android (Google Play) and iPhone (App Store). Data is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.