Stay Out Of South Kingstown's Worden Pond, State Agencies Warn

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Take a dip in South Kingstown's Worden Pond at the risk of suffering liver and nervous system damage, two Rhode Island agencies warned.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management both advised against coming into contact with Worden Pond water due to harmful algae blooms.

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"All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location," the departments said in a media release.

The harmful blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, "can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals," according to the release.

"Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat," the release said.

"Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea," according to the release. "Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage."

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