RIDOH recommend avoiding pond in Portsmouth due to blue-green algae

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising swimmers to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The department said blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.

Contact with the water can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat, while ingesting water containing blue-green algae can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

RIDOH said rarer symptoms include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.

Residents are advised to not ingest the water, eat fish from the ponds, swim, kayak or boat while the advisory is effect.

For more information on blue-green algae and the latest advisories, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health webpage.