Health Officials: Avoid Briar Point Beach Due To Blue-Green Algae

COVENTRY, RI – Health officials are warning people to avoid Briar Point Beach until further notice due to the discovery of blue-green algae in the area.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, may cause harm to people and animals if ingested. People should be careful not to eat fish from the lake.

Skin contact with cyanobacteria commonly causes irritation of the ski, nose, eyes or throat. Common health effects include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damager and nervous system damage.

There is a high health risk for individuals who swim in the water with blue-green algae, and a lower risk for boating and fishing.

People are advised to keep their pets and livestock away from the water.

If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible. When you get home, take a shower and rinse your clothes.

If a pet comes into contact with the water, rinse them immediately with clean water. Do not let them lick their fur.

If you or an animal has a sudden, unexplained illness or death, call a doctor or veterinarian immediately.

Water with cyanobacteria is bright green and has dense floating algal mats. They water may look like green paint, thick pea soup or green cottage cheese.

For more information, visit dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.