Health Officials: Jamaica Pond Closed Due to Hazardous Water Conditions

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The Boston Public Health Commission warned residents Monday to stay away from the water in Jamaica Pond until further notice. Boating, swimming, and fishing, will be temporarily prohibited while officials examine a suspected bloom of harmful blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.

Officials say the blooms may produce toxins that can make people and pets sick.

While the park is closed, visitors are asked to avoid the following:

• Swim, fish, boat or engage in other recreational activities on or in the water
• Allow dogs to swim in or drink the water

Those who may come in contact with the algae bloom are urged to rinse off immediately.

In a Monday press release, officials summarized the primary concerns regarding the hazardous situation and symptoms that may arise if exposed to the algae. The Health Commission says:

For humans, the primary concern is ingestion of water that contains significant levels of blue-green algae while swimming. Direct skin contact with blue-green algae and inhalation of water droplets containing blue-green algae or toxins can also cause symptoms. Individuals who think they may be experiencing these or other symptoms after touching or drinking the pond water should call their doctor or other health care provider.

For dogs, the primary concern is the ingestion of water containing blue-green algae or scum that has washed ashore or gotten onto their skin or fur.

Contact may cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. Ingestion of a significant amount of blue-green algae can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the blue-green algae are producing toxin(s), the health effects can be more serious, especially for children and small pets due to their smalle r body weights. Ingestion of a significant amount of toxin can cause acute gastrointestinal distress and, depending on the specific toxin, can affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and/or neurological systems and in severe cases can result in death.

Officials say the blooms may last for several weeks during the summer months, or they could sometimes disappear quickly. Staff members took samples of the water on Monday. Analysis of the water is expected to be completed by June 22.

Officials say the water advisory will not be lifted until “two consecutive weekly samples show algae cell counts below the safe limit of 70,000 cells/milliliter of water.”