Don’t think about going for a cool dip in Harvey Lake at the moment because provincial health officials have issued a blue-green algae advisory for the body of water.
Lab tests taken at different areas of the lake, which is located about an hour’s drive southwest of Fredericton, confirmed the presence of the algae.
Regional Medical Officer of Health Na-Koshie Lamptey says all water activities like swimming and water skiing should be avoided in parts of the lake where the water is discoloured and there’s surface scum.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins which can cause skin, eye and throat irritation. If swallowed, the algae can cause more seirous health effects like severe gastrointestinal illness.
