Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports a blue-green algae advisory is now in effect for Ma-Me-O Beach, along with Silver Beach and Pigeon Lake Provincial Park. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water.

On Monday, AHS initially stated an advisory had been set for the Silver Beach and Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, but the whole lake was not part of that advisory.

Officials now say blue-green algae has been found at Ma-Me-O Beach.

AHS warns the blue-green algae produces a toxin that can cause serious illness to humans and animals that drink or come in contact with it. 

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning include:

  •   Fever
  •   Headache and dizziness
  •   Stomach cramps
  •   Vomiting and diarrhea
  •   Skin and eye irritation
  •   Sore throat
  •   Swollen Lips

The symptoms often clear up after two or three days.

AHS is asking anyone planning to spend time around water where a blue-green algae bloom is present to take the following precautions:

  •   Not drink, or allow pets to drink water in affected lakes
  •   Not consume fish from a lake where a bloom is present
  •   Not swim or wade or allow pets to swim in water containing visible blooms
  •   Avoid contact with algae dried on shorelines

Officials say most algae blooms are short-lived, and should clear up after several days.

For more information, call HealthLINK Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).