Cyanobacteria closes Scargo Lake in Dennis to swimmers; advisories issued at other ponds
DENNIS — Cyanobacteria, the toxic blue-green algae that grows in freshwater ponds and lakes across Cape Cod, shut down Scargo Lake in Dennis to swimmers, as of Wednesday.
Caution signs were posted at Scargo Beach and Princess Beach in Dennis warning swimmers of the cyanobacteria, according to a press release from the town.
Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, said cyanobacteria, while naturally occurring, can be harmful when exposed to humans or their pets.
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Cyanobacteria harmful to humans, animals
"When it's present at a sufficient density, it can create neurotoxins that are potentially hazardous to people or their pets, especially those with smaller body masses like children or dogs," Gottlieb said.
Symptoms of cyanobacteria exposure can range from nothing to nausea and dizziness, and in some extreme cases, organ failure, according to Gottlieb.
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Ingestion is the biggest concern when it comes to exposure, he said, but those with sensitive skin might be irritated if they come into contact with the algae externally.
The Association to Preserve Cape Cod monitors 150 lakes and ponds across the Cape on a regular basis, Gottlieb said, and alerted Dennis to the cyanobacteria bloom at Scargo Lake.
On Thursday, the association reported recreational use restrictions due to cyanobacteria at Scargo Lake as well as Long Pond in Marstons Mills. The town of Barnstable posted pet advisories at Lovell's Pond, Shubael Pond and Long Pond in Centerville, according to the association's post on Facebook.
Gottlieb encouraged Cape Codders to use the association's in-depth cyanobacteria website to learn more about the algae and how to protect themselves from it.
Website available to check ponds near you
The website has cyanobacteria photos, FAQs, a tip email for possible sightings and a live map of the cyanobacteria risk of the bodies of water they monitor.
"The motto of the CDC and the state health department is, 'When in doubt, stay out,'" Gottlieb said. "The vast majority of ponds on the Cape don't have cyanobacteria outbreaks, so I encourage people to use our website to educate themselves and decide where the best place is to recreate."
Sarah Carlon can be contacted at: scarlon@capecodonline.com or on Twitter: @sarcarlon
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cyanobacteria closes Scargo Lake on Cape Cod to swimmers
