August 22, 2024 – Adrian, Michigan – The Lenawee County Health Department (LCHD) has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria or harmful algal blooms (HABs), at Lake Hudson in Clayton Township.
On August 21, 2024, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) collected water samples from the public swimming beach and boat launch areas. Preliminary test results indicate high levels of microcystin, a potent liver toxin and potential carcinogen, in the water. Further laboratory testing to confirm the presence of toxins is currently underway.
LCHD recommends Lake Hudson visitors avoid entering the water where the algal bloom is visible and to keep pets from drinking the water. These precautions should be followed until testing confirms that toxins are no longer present or the bloom has cleared. Advisory signs will be posted at the beach and boat launch areas, and LCHD will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Cyanobacteria can fluctuate in their toxin production, with levels that can change rapidly. These toxins can pose significant health risks to both humans and animals, particularly dogs, which are highly susceptible. The amount and location of blue-green algae can shift quickly. Visitors should avoid contact with water that appears discolored, such as green or blue-green, or that resembles spilled paint. Additionally, avoid scum formations in the water, as they can cause allergic reactions upon skin contact.
If you suspect that you or your pets have come into contact with blue-green algae, it is important to rinse off immediately. Monitor pets for any signs of illness, and seek medical attention for yourself, your children, or your animals if symptoms develop after contact with the water.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take the following actions in areas where an algal bloom is visible:
- Avoid areas with scummy water in the lake or water that looks like spilled paint or pea soup, floating scum, or has a green sheen. These may contain flecks, mats, foam, sheens, streaks, or clumps.
- Avoid water-related activities in areas where the bloom is visible. Individuals who have skin contact, swallow large amounts, or play in the water are susceptible to illness.
- Keep pets from drinking or playing in the lake water. Symptoms of illness often appear quicker in animals than humans – sometimes in minutes to a few hours. Symptoms in animals can include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, staggered walking, excessive salivation, convulsions, erratic behavior, physical distress, and death.
- Do not boat or ski in water with HABs as it may create water spray in the air.
- Use caution if eating fish from impacted bodies of water, as part of the fish may contain small amounts of toxins.
- Shower yourself and pets immediately if you come into contact with a HAB
- Contact your medical provider or vet if you or your pet have ingested or been exposed to a HAB.
Toxins can cause illness, which can appear within hours to days after exposure. Severity of illness will depend on the type of toxin and length of exposure.
Skin or water spray contact may result in:
- Rashes, hives, or skin blisters
- Runny eyes and noses or asthma-like symptoms
- Throat irritation
Swallowing large amounts of water containing toxins while swimming, wading, or playing in the water may cause:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Neurotoxic symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Swallowing large amounts of toxins can harm the liver or kidneys.
Summer is peak season for the formation of HABs that can present health hazards to people and pets. In Michigan, algal blooms typically occur during periods of warm temperatures, lots of sun, and high nutrient levels. It is impossible to determine whether algal blooms contain harmful toxins just by looking at them, so it is best to avoid contact with any body of water with visible algae or scums. Suspected HABs should be reported to EGLE by calling 1-800-662-9278 or sending an email to AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov.
For more information about HABs in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/habs.
Additional Resources:
HABs: Frequently Asked Questions
HABs: Pets & Livestock
HABs: Your Health