Warning of algae in water causing illnesses

A reminder has been issued to people in Dundee to be on the lookout for potentially hazardous blue-green algae in waterways.

NHS Tayside is advising the public, especially people engaging in watersports, anglers and dog owners, to be alert to the blooms as temperatures rise.

Blue-green algae are organisms which develop naturally in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea.

They can multiply during the summer months and discolour the water which then appears green, bluegreen or greenish brown.

Occasionally, they clump together to form a scum on the surface of the water.

The algae is a common seasonal occurrence and waters which have been affected by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges are most at risk of developing it.

Dr Emily Stevenson, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Tayside, said: “We routinely monitor levels of blue-green algae over the warmer months because of the potential health risk to people and to animals.

“Canoeists, wind surfers and swimmers who come into contact with the algal scum or who accidentally swallow affected water can suffer from complaints such as skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, or pains in muscles and joints.

“These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases, can be severe.

“The risk to small animals like dogs is significant over the summer months as they tend to drink more water in the heat.

“Dog owners should keep an eye on their pets, especially if they come into contact with water which could be affected.”