Potentially toxic algae reported near parts of Kempenfelt, Simcoe shorelines

Health officials are looking into a potentially toxic algae bloom found near the Innisfil shoreline.

In a social-media post July 8, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit confirmed it is investigating a suspected blue-green algae bloom affecting the southeast shoreline of Kempenfelt Bay and southwest shoreline of Lake Simcoe, between the Big Bay Point government dock and Maple Road.  

“Some types of blue green algae can produce toxins,” the post states.

Technically known as cyanobacteria, this algae consists of microscopic organisms that naturally occur in lakes and streams. They usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase and form dense blooms when the water is warm, slow moving and full of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, the health unit says. 

A possible bloom will appear green, blue, turquoise or olive green in colour. It may also look like scum, foam, mats or paint floating on the water’s surface, and smell like rotting plants or garbage, or rotten eggs.

There may also be a presence of dead fish or other animals on the shoreline. 

Exposure through swallowing contaminated water could cause stomach pain, headache, neurological symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea and liver damage. Swimming or breathing in droplets of contaminated water may result in irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat or lungs. 

“You can’t tell if a bloom is harmful just by looking at it so it’s best to use caution and stay out of the water and keep your pets out of the water,” the health unit says.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms caused by blue-green algae should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.