RIDOH recommends avoiding lake in Exeter, updates another

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE) – The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have updated the status of recreational activities in two lakes.

RIDOH said that Boone Lake in Exeter should be avoided due to blue-green algae blooms on Wednesday.

The advisory placed on Coomer Lake in Glocester on June 13 that was also due to an algae bloom is now being lifted after RIDOH said it have found acceptably low levels of algae.

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 encounters 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.

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