Health officials are warning of dangerous algae in a couple of Alberta lakes.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued advisories regarding blue-green algae in Eagle Lake, east of Calgary, and Hasse Lake, west of Edmonton.
They say the algae can produce a toxin known to cause illness in any animals or humans who come into contact with it.
Residents living on the shores and visitors to both lakes are warned not to drink the water, or allow pets to drink it, and are even being told not to swim in it.
In addition, people are cautioned to limit how many fish from the lakes they consume.
In the last month, algae advisories have been issued for several bodies of water including Shiningbank Lake, Iosegun Lake, Snipe Lake, Bear Creek and Lake Isle.
People who come in contact with the algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days, however, symptoms in children are often more pronounced.
People who consume contaminated water as a primary source for drinking water can develop more serious illnesses, such as liver damage, over time.
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