Stay Out Of Portsmouth's Upper Melville Pond: State

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Toxic algae has infected Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth, two state agencies reported.

The Rhode Island Departments of Public Health and Environmental Management have warned the public to avoid contact with Upper Melville Pond, also known as Thurston Gray Pond.

"Swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and should be avoided at this location," the two departments warned in a statement.

"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."

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."

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