A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in several ponds at Roger Williams Park, and officials are urging people to stay out of the water.
The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a warning Tuesday advising people to avoid contact with all Roger Williams Park ponds. The warning comes after the blue-green algae bloom was detected in water samples.
Blue-green algae can produce several health issues in humans and pets. In humans, exposure to the toxins can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In pets, exposure to the toxins can cause excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, loss of energy, and diarrhea.
Anyone who comes into contact with the blue-green algae is urged to rinse themselves off with clean water as soon as possible. Pets should also be kept away from the water and cleaned if they have come in contact with it.
Officials are also urging people not to drink the water from Roger Williams Park or allow pets to go swimming in the ponds.
The blue-green algae bloom is currently being monitored. The alert will remain in effect until further notice.
Anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae is urged to contact a doctor or a veterinarian if symptoms arise. Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can be found online.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.