Bulletins

Parks Canada is advising visitors that blue-green algae is currently present in the waters of Astotin Lake. Avoid contact with the water in the lake or near the shores of this lake at this time.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produces a toxin (poison) that can cause serious illness or potentially even death to animals or humans. Illness can result from consumption or contact with water experiencing an algal bloom.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in animals and humans may include fever, headache, dizziness, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, skin and eye irritation, sore throat and swollen lips. Symptoms seldom persist for more than two or three days.

Individuals should take the following precautions:

DO NOT DRINK WATER from or allow your pets to drink water from the lake. Boiling water does not eliminate the toxin.

DO NOT SWIM OR WADE or allow your pets to swim or wade in water containing visible blooms.

AVOID CONTACT with blue-green algae dried on the shorelines.

If you or your pet contact blue-green algae, wash or flush the area of contact immediately and thoroughly.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or require further information about blue-green algae, please contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.