Harmful Algae Has Infected Cranston's Meshanticut Lake: State

CRANSTON, RI — Harmful algae has infected Cranston's Meshanticut Lake, two state agencies reported.

The Rhode Island Departments of Public Health and Environmental Management have warned the public to avoid contact with Meshanticut Lake.

"All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location," the two departments warned in a statement released Friday.

"People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies," the statement said. "Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water."

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Contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, according to the statement.

"Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea," the statement said. "Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage."