Blue-Green Algae Bloom Closes Mansfield Pond To Swimming

MANSFIELD, MA — The state has recommended residents avoid contact with the water in Cabot Pond after a blue-green algae bloom was visually confirmed. The Massachusetts Department of Health said the blooms can produce toxins that cause irritation and sickness in both humans and animals.

Contact with with the algae can cause skin and eye irritation. Ingesting the cyanobacteria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and may cause liver damage when ingested in large amounts.

Inhaling water spray can cause asthmatic symptoms.

Small children and pets are most susceptible to algal toxins.

Those near Cabot Pond are advised not to swim in the water, do no swallow the water, to keep pets away from the water and rinse off all clothing that might have come in contact with the water.

Algal blooms are more common in sustained high temperatures like the region has experienced this summer.

Those with any questions can call the Mansfield Health Department at 508-261-7366.