Lake Erie Algae Bloom Covers 600 Square Miles: Report

MICHIGAN — A recent increase in toxic blue-green algae in lakes around the country has caused the death of several dogs, and a similar bloom in Lake Erie is causing problems of its own.

The harmful algae blooms happen when cyanobacteria overproduces in a body of water. In the right situations – such as sunlight, hot and calm waters and high nutrients – the bacteria can cause a bloom that's toxic to humans and animals.

According to Michigan Radio, the algae bloom has spread to about 600 square miles of Lake Erie, affecting the potability of drinking water.

In humans, exposure to the bacteria by swimming in it can cause rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, skin and eye irritation, and gastroenteritis.

According to the Michigan Sea Grant, algae blooms "can look like a scum, foam, or mat on top of the water or like paint that has been spilled in the water. They are also sometimes accompanied by an earthy, pungent, or musty smell."

Ten Michigan beaches have been closed this year due to dangerous bacteria.

See more on Patch:

• Algae Fatal To Dogs Found In Illinois: Health Officials
• 10 Beaches Closed In Michigan Due To Bacteria

It's not always easy to know when algae blooms are harmful. There may or not be a smell, and the presence of algae doesn't mean it's toxic. So, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), "water samples must be analyzed for the presence of toxins to confirm that a bloom may, in fact, be harmful to humans."

See NOAA's harmful algal bloom tracker.