HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, in consultation with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a public health advisory for a suspected harmful algal bloom in Hillsdale County’s Round Lake.
Staff from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) took water samples from the lake last Friday, August 12.
The Health Agency issued a statement on Wednesday which said a preliminary field test identified a type of cyanotoxin called microcystin.
Environmental Health Director Paul Andriacchi says, “Round Lake residents are encouraged to avoid any discolored water, scums, or algal matter, including floating purple mats or clumps. Cyanobacteria can turn their toxins on and off, and the level of toxin can change. Water sample results will be available from EGLE in the coming days.”
Andriacchi said the discovery was made after an area homeowner took photos and submitted the information to the Environmental Assistance Center. “Their actions allowed EGLE staff to evaluate the situation in a timely manner.”
The Health Agency is offering the following tips to protecting people and animals from harmful algal blooms (HABs):
· Recognition: An algal bloom will cause a tint to the water and sometimes appear as a scum or may look like paint floating on the water.
· Report: Contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or email AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov. Sending photos is helpful to investigating staff.
· Response: Steps you can take to avoid illness:
o Avoid direct contact or swallowing water in an area with visible algae bloom. This includs swimming, boating, tubing, skiing, playing in or allowing pets in the water in active bloom areas.
o If no scum is visible, but you are unable to see your feet when standing knee deep (after sediment has settled), avoid bathing, immersion of your head or ingesting.
o Wear clothing that is loose fitting in the openings to reduce chances of rashes.
o Shower or wash once ashore to remove algal material.
o Livestock and pets should not drink from the water. They should be washed off when ashore to keep them from licking contaminated legs, faces, paws, bellies, and coats.
o Contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian if you, your child, your livestock, or your pet become sick after contact with the water.
o To learn more about HABs, visit www.michigan.gov/habs.
The health effects of cyanotoxins appear within hours to days from exposure. Severity of illness will depend on the type of toxin and length of exposure.
Skin or water spray contact may result in:
· Rashes, hives, or skin blisters
· Runny eyes and noses or asthma-like symptoms
· Throat irritation
Swallowing large amounts of water containing cyanotoxins while swimming, wading, or playing in the water may cause:
· Flu-like symptoms
· Gastrointestinal illness
· Neurotoxic symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
· Swallowing large amounts of cyanotoxins can harm the liver or kidneys.
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