With summer in full swing and humid temperatures among us, many Canadians are flocking to lakes across the country in attempts to keep cool. However multiple cities around Canada are urging swimmers to take caution as toxic blue-green algae warnings are in effect throughout the nation. This algae, if in contact with humans and pets, can be extremely harmful. According to the Weather Network, blue-green algae has become a problem for a majority of Canadian lakes. In fact, the bacteria that causes the algae to bloom can be found in almost every Canadian lake, and many of us don't even notice it until it is fully bloomed. But why should we have to worry about coming into contact with blue-green algae? It's important to keep an eye out on warnings issued by your city due to the toxic traits that blue-green algae carry. Although it's called an algae, it's actually a bacteria that can cause those who come in contact with it to get sick. Although it's not common, those who drink or come in contact with water that is contaminated with blue-green algae can experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, humans could even experience numbness and weakness throughout their muscles. View this post on Instagram PESTILENCE: Toxic algae bloom hits Mississippi coast, closes beaches: What you need to know. June 25, 2019 . A major outbreak of a blue-green harmful algal bloom has officials keeping a close eye on the beaches across the Gulf Coast. . Four beach locations in Hancock County and five beaches in Harrison County have taken precautionary measures by urging residents to stay out of the water. . "In Hancock County especially, we've been seeing the algae for two weeks," said Mark Wright of Legends of the Lower Marsh fishing charters. "With this hot weather it exploded. . "It seems to be isolated to the western part of the (Mississippi) Sound for the most part. Near Pass (Christian) and Cat Island we're seeing pockets of it." Where he's encountering the algae, Wright has noticed something unusual — an absence of life. . "I haven't seen dead animals in it," Wright said. "In fact, I haven't seen any animals around it. You don't see birds around it or anything like that." . Blue-green algae is the common name, but in reality it's not an algae at all. Its less common name is cyanobacteria and, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, it is a bacteria that can produce toxins. The MDEQ stated exposure can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. . Here is the current list of affected beaches. • Pass Christian West Beach • Pass Christian Central Beach • Pass Christian East Beach • Long Beach Beach • Gulfport Central Beach • Lakeshore Beach • Buccaneer State Park Beach • Waveland Beach • Bay St. Louis Beach Freshwater coming into the Gulf because of flooding is playing role in outbreak. Exposure can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. State is advising against consumption of fish or other seafood from where bloom is present. Source: Mississippi Clarion Ledger #pestilence #signsofthetimes #birthpangs #toxic #bluegreenalgae #gulfbeaches #takeheed #extremeweather #earthchanges #summer A post shared by SkyWatch 777 (@skywatch777) on Jun 28, 2019 at 12:23pm PDT However, it's not just humans that can be affected when they come into contact with this blue-green algae. According to the Weather Network, three dogs died in Canada after being exposed to the bacteria in 2018. Regional Medical Officer of Health in New Brunswick, Na-Koshie Lamptey told CBC that when swimming in lakes you should rinse off as soon as you get out of the water and avoid going into the water if you have cuts or open wounds. Lamptey also states that you should limit yourself from drinking the lake water, and supervise young children and pets to also ensure that they are not drinking the water. View this post on Instagram Large cyanobacteria bloom on Lake Monona today. Cyanobacteria has been present in Lake Monona almost all of June. A post shared by Yahara Project (@yaharaproject) on Jun 29, 2019 at 11:37am PDT Multiple blue-green algae warnings are currently in effect around Canada. Most recently, New Brunswick is urging swimmers to take precaution after issuing a warning to the Saint John River. Ontario is also experiencing some blue-green algae in their lakes after Hamilton's Public Health services confirmed that it was spotted on the shore of the city's harbor. The city is warning residents to avoid contact with the water at this time. Alberta is also experiencing blue-green algae and has released warnings for multiple lakes across the province. The Ontario government warns that blue-green algae is not normally visible in the water, but can be spotted when it blooms in the summer and early fall. It often gives the water a greenish tint and forms solid clumps that can look like pea soup. If spotted, you are asked to contact your local health unit.
