MUSKOKA LAKES, ON- Another algae bloom has cropped up in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
The latest bloom is in the northern end of Bass Lake. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is advising residents in the area to avoid using the lake water for drinking or food preparation, including infant formula.
The lake is along Highway 169, near MacTier.
Boiling the water will not destroy the toxins, and home treatment systems should not be relied on.
Exposure to blue-green algae, whether for drinking, swimming, cooking or through eating fish caught from the northern end of Bass Lake, may result in illness.
Adverse health effects are mainly caused by drinking water that is contaminated with blue-green algae toxins.
Symptoms from consuming toxins can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.
The blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Swimming and other water sport activities should also be avoided in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is visible.
The health unit SMDHU and the MECP will continue to monitor the lake and updates will be posted on the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/algae.
To learn more about blue-green algae visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or call Health Connection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.