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Health Warning Issued After Blue-Green Algae Found

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Jun 29, 2007 10:42 am US/Central

Health Warning Issued After Blue-Green Algae Found

St. Paul (AP) ― The Pollution Control Agency is urging Minnesotans to keep an eye out for blue-green algae when they visit the state's lakes.

The potentially harmful variety of algae has been confirmed in two Minnesota lakes.

Toxic algae blooms have been found in Lake Crystal in Blue Earth County and Fountain Lake in Wright County. Suspected cases are in McLeod, Kandiyohi and Douglas counties, all in central and western Minnesota.

Blue-green algae can sicken people and animals. For people, health problems include irritation of skin, eyes and nasal passages, and nausea and vomiting. Extreme cases can produce paralysis and respiratory failure.

Most algae blooms are harmless, but blue-green algae -- in high concentrations -- can be harmful. It's found throughout Minnesota and thrives in warm, shallow, nutrient-rich lakes.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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