Jamaica Pond to Remain Closed Due to Ongoing Bacteria Outbreak

Jamaica Pond will remain closed due to an ongoing outbreak of harmful blue-green algae blooms known as cyanobacteria. City officials say the pond will be closed to swimming, fishing and boating for at least another week.

The Boston Public Health Commission closed the pond three weeks ago. According to a report last week, cyanobacteria levels in the water were three times higher than what’s considered to be safely acceptable for human and animal activity.

Over the course of one week, cyanobacteria levels went from 81,576 cells/mL to 240,000 cells/mL. This latest readings have not yet been made known.

Officials say the blooms produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. It some cases, exposure can prove fatal.

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