The Saskatchewan Health Authority has issued a blue-green algae warning for Little Manitou Lake. In a statement issued Friday, the SHA says people and pets should stay out of the water where the algae — which can cause rashes or other skin irritation, sore red eyes, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea — is present. "Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms," the SHA statement reads.
Blue-green algae: A Q&A with a public health doctor
The Department of Environment and local veterinarians are pointing to blue-green algae as one of the most likely causes of contamination at Grand Lake, N.S., that led to the death of two dogs and one person being hospitalized this week. An alert was issued early Thursday morning warning all residents who take water directly from Grand Lake to stop using the water immediately. Residents near Grand Lake who don't receive water from a municipal utility are advised not to consume their water, or use it for cooking, bathing, swimming or boating, until told otherwise.