Potentially deadly algae has caused the shutdown of Swartswood Lake and Little Swartswood Lake including boating and swimming, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Rob Geist, DEP spokesman, said the lake was closed on Thursday, June 22, as soon as results were available of a water sample taken on Monday, June 19, that showed the presence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs) toxin.
Signs indicating the closure were flanked across the main gate of the state park on Friday, with the shoreline of the popular swimming area lined with barricades warning "No Swimming" and "Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Present."
The levels of cyanobacteria were confirmed to be "above the level of concern for New Jersey," Geist said, and on Friday, Randall Sprague, a longtime member of the Swartswood Lakes and Watershed Association, said the algae cell count was reportedly 39 times larger than the mandated threshold of algae permissible according to the New Jersey Health Advisory Guidance.
The mildest symptom, a skin rash, can occur just from direct contact with the bacteria. But cyanobacteria produces "extremely dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water" and ingestion can "sicken or kill" animals or people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Anabaena cyanobacteria toxins can cause the following symptoms in humans: abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting and nausea, dry cough, diarrhea, blistering around the mouth and pneumonia.
The EPA said should contact be made with the water, rinse off with clean, fresh water as soon as possible and if any symptoms appear after exposure to the lake, seek medical attention.
Because animals can also be harmed by drinking the water, the DEP urges that all pets and domestic animals be kept away from the water. If animals exhibit any of the symptoms as noted above and/or lethargy, stumbling, loss of appetite or falling, owners should contact their veterinarian and note the contact with the water at Swartswood.
http://www.njherald.com/20170623/dan...artswood-lakes
