The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising the public that blue-green algae blooms have been found again in Lake Nipissing, this time in Campbell’s Bay in Patterson Township and Simpson’s Bay in Nipissing Township.
Last week officials said a bloom had been found at Marathon Beach in North Bay and Centennial Park Beach in Callander.
Health Unit officials say the Ministry of Environment confirmed the presence of the toxins. The harmful algae can irritate the skin and if swallowed, and in some cases can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Health Unit officials advise if you are near where a bloom was detected or where a bloom is visible, follow these safety measures:
- Do not use the water. This includes drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will not destroy the toxins.
- Do not swim and avoid water sports where a bloom is present.
- If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.
- Limit the amount of fish flesh you eat. Some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish. Do not eat the liver, kidneys and other organs. Be careful not to cut the organs when filleting.
