2007 Archive

Capital Health advises residents to take precautions at Pigeon Lake

Popular lake contaminated with blue-green algae

Edmonton, Alberta - Capital Health is advising people to avoid contact with water in Pigeon Lake because it contains blue-green algae. This algae appears as a blue-green or brownish scum on lakes, ponds and reservoirs. While some types of blue-green algae produce toxins which can affect people and animals, testing is underway to determine if the blue-green algae in Pigeon Lake is producing toxins. In the interim, residents are being advised to take precautions.

If you should come into contact with or ingest small amounts of a toxic strain of blue-green algae you may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips,
fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one or two days. People who use contaminated water as a primary source for drinking water may develop more serious illnesses such as liver damage over time.

Symptoms in children are often more pronounced because they spend more time in the water and are more likely to accidentally ingest contaminated shore water.

"All algae blooms should be treated with caution and a health risk," says Dr. Marcia Johnson, Deputy Medical Officer of Health. "Anyone who becomes ill after contact with water contaminated with algae should seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or last longer than a day."

Dr. Johnson issues the following recommendations:

• Treat any intense algae bloom with suspicion;
• Do not swim or wade in water containing algae scum;
• Do not drink from algae-contaminated water;
• Provide an alternate source of drinking water for pets and livestock;
• Do not use affected water to wash edible plants, especially those such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes and other salad vegetables; and
• Boiling contaminated water does not remove toxins from the water.

Residents with concerns related to this or any other health concern can call Capital Health Link to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 408-LINK (5465) or, outside the local calling area, toll free 1-866-408-LINK. 

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