RIDOH, RIDEM recommends public avoid Almy Pond in Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that the public should avoid Almy Pond due to a harmful algae blood.

The department said the blooms are caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.

RIDOH said that skin contact with blue-green algae can irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, while ingesting the algae can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as well as dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.

Animals suffering from blue-green algae poisoning can suffer symptoms including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness.

Any person or pet who comes in contact with the contaminated water should wash off their skin with clean water as soon as possible, and then bathe and wash their clothes.

If a person or pet is experiencing symptoms a healthcare provider should be contacted.

In the meantime, the departments are asking all residents to avoid swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking in the pond.

More information on blue-green algae can be found here.