The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has issued a warning for residents regarding a significant cyanobacteria algae bloom in the Muddy River, specifically in the stretch between Brookline Avenue and Avenue Louis Pasteur.
This alert follows assessments conducted by Department of Public Health (DPH) staff, revealing elevated levels of cyanobacteria cells surpassing DPH guidelines for recreational water bodies in Massachusetts.
The presence of cyanobacteria poses health risks since it can produce toxins harmful to both humans and pets.
As a precaution, residents are strongly advised to avoid all contact with the water and any regions where algae concentration is evident, including shoreline areas.
In particular, it’s crucial for people and their pets to stay away from the affected stretch of the Muddy River.
The DPH has emphasized that individuals should refrain from engaging in any water activities or fishing within this area.
Moreover, pet owners must ensure that dogs do not swim in or drink from the contaminated water.
For those who may unintentionally come into contact with the water or algae along the shore, it is essential to rinse off immediately.
Blue-green algae, responsible for harmful blooms, can cause water bodies to appear murky, often resembling pea soup or paint.
These blooms can generate toxins that pose health threats to both animals and humans.
The primary risk for humans arises from ingesting water contaminated with blue-green algae while swimming.
Secondary risks include direct skin contact with the algae and inhalation of water droplets containing the algae or its toxins.
For dogs, ingestion of contaminated water or scum—either washed ashore or stuck to their fur—is particularly concerning.
Potential health issues resulting from contact with blue-green algae include skin and eye irritation.
Inhalation might lead to respiratory problems and could worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Ingesting these toxins can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Health complications due to toxins produced by blue-green algae may be considerably more severe, especially for smaller animals and young children, as they are more vulnerable due to their lower body weights.
These adverse health effects may affect liver, kidney, and neurological functions.
In serious cases, exposure to toxins from blue-green algae can lead to fatal outcomes.
Pet owners should seek immediate veterinary assistance if their dogs display symptoms like vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions after being near an algae bloom.
These symptoms typically appear quickly following exposure.
There have been documented instances in Massachusetts and other states where dogs have succumbed due to ingesting toxic algae.
Residents are left to wonder when this advisory will end.
Harmful algae blooms often occur during the warm summer months, conducive to algae growth.
The DPH maintains a website, mass.gov/algae-blooms, that provides an updated list of water bodies under algae bloom advisories.
Some algae blooms can persist for weeks during summer, while others may dissipate relatively quickly.
Ongoing monitoring of cyanobacteria levels in this area will continue, with sampling and laboratory analysis conducted after the bloom resolves.
To lift the advisory, DPH mandates two rounds of sampling spaced a week apart, which must show results below the 70,000 cells per milliliter threshold.
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