Blue-Green Algae Bloom Found In Cranston

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health is warning residents to avoid contact with the Upper J.L. Curran Reservoir due to a blue-green algae bloom.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and animals. Coming into contact with contaminated water can cause skin, nose eyes or throat irritation, while ingestion can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common side effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage and nervous system damage.

Anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible and bathe immediately when they return home. Pets that comes into contact with the water should be cleaned immediately, and should be kept from licking algae off their fut. Watch for any symptoms of poisoning, which include loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or any unexplained sickness.

The department urged people to avoid all contact with the water, including fishing, boating, kayaking, ingesting the water, eating fish from the pond or swimming. Pets should be kept away from the water, as well.

The warning will remain in effect until further notice.