Pre Holiday reports urge caution
From our friends at DHD#10: White River On Friday, June 28, 2024, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified by Ferris State University that they collected bacterial samples from the backwaters of White River, in White Cloud, Newaygo County. Ferris State University reported that two samples showed elevated E. coli levels and will continue to sample until the levels are reduced. Residents and visitors should be advised of unusually high levels of E. coli bacteria in the backwaters of White River in White Cloud, Newaygo County. When swimming or conducting other water activities during periods of high bacterial levels, the risk of becoming ill from contamination increases. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are the most at risk. Flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration can occur from exposure to contaminated water. Upper respiratory illnesses, such as ear, nose, and throat infections, may also occur, in addition to skin infections if an open wound is not properly protected. Ferris State University is continuing to collect samples and results will be reported by Ferris State University and DHD#10 when available. DHD#10 urges residents and visitors to avoid the backwaters of White River in White Cloud, Newaygo County until the samples indicate the E. coli levels have been reduced. For up-to-date results, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard site: https://www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/. Hess Lake District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) in cooperation with Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) are reporting that algae blooms were detected on Hess Lake in Newaygo County. A resident reported a bloom on Hess Lake Thursday, June 26, 2024. The DHD#10 then collected samples and submitted them for testing to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels within bodies of water along with warm temperatures. Signs will be posted near the boat launch of the lake to notify individuals to avoid contact with the water in that area as a precautionary measure. “Not all algal blooms have cyanotoxins, so it is difficult to tell if it is harmful by looking at it. Harmful algae blooms can be a variety of colors and look like scum in the water with small flecks, like globs and mats, or like spilled paint with a green sheen on the surface,” stated Meghan Stih, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHD#10. “The algal toxins that are released can be harmful to aquatic life, pets, and humans, so it is very important to avoid these areas.” Below are some steps to take when near waterways:
Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is also recommended that people keep their pets out of the water that shows any signs of algae blooms. People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
If you think that you or your pet have been exposed to algae blooms, take the following precautions:
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