Blue-Green Algae Alert Issued for Portsmouth Pond

The state Department of Health Wednesday issued a blue-green algae advisory of Portsmouth’s Melville Pond.

People are advised to avoid recreational activities in the pond because the algae may produce naturally occuring algal toxins.

“Algae blooms can be dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface, or they can form under water. They are bright green and often resemble green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after blue-green algae blooms are no longer visible,” the health department said in a release.

Swimming, boating, fishing, eating fish caught in the pond and letting pets go in or drink from the water is not recommended during the bloom.

Skin rashes and irritation of the nose, eyes, and/or throat are common side effects that result from skin contact with water containing algal toxins. If water containing algal toxins is ingested, health effects include stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Other health effects, which are rarer, include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.

Individuals who come into contact with blue-green algae blooms in Melville Pond should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible and wash their clothes. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms listed above after coming into contact with an algae bloom should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets are at greater risk because they are more likely to swim in or drink the contaminated water. If pets come into contact with the water, people are advised to rinse the animal with clean water to prevent them from licking the potential toxins, and to contact their veterinarian if they become ill after swimming in a pond experiencing a cyanobacteria bloom.

HEALTH and DEM have notified Portsmouth officials of the algae blooms and are working with the city to ensure that those around that body of water are aware of the potential danger posed by the blooms.

For more information about blue-green algae blooms, see http://www.health.ri.gov/healthrisks/harmfulalgaeblooms/index.php