Public-health officials warn residents to stay away from the water in Jamaica Pond - and that goes for their pets, too

The Boston Public Health Commission today banned boating and fishing at Jamaica Pond and warned residents to stay away from the water, because of a massive bloom of blue-green algae. The commission says:

These blooms may produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. Park visitors are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even on shore.

The commission adds this goes for animals as well - dog owners are urged to keep their pets well away from the water.

In the event that you, your child, or your dog comes in contact with the water or an algae bloom, rinse off immediately.

Blue-green algae can form harmful blooms in lakes, ponds, and rivers that make the water murky, and can sometimes make the water look like pea soup or paint. The current suspected bloom (7/20/15) in Jamaica Pond appears like a dull green discoloration.

Contact may cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. Ingestion of blue-green algae can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the blue-green algae are producing toxin(s), the health effects can be more serious, especially for small pets due to their smaller body weights. Ingestion of a significant amount of toxin can cause acute gastrointestinal distress and, depending on the specific toxin, can affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and/or neurological systems and in severe cases can result in death.

[Dogs] have been known to eat the scum that washes ashore and/or lick scum out of their fur. In Massachusetts and in many other states, canine fatalities have been documented due to the ingestion of harmful algae.

The commission says it has no idea when it might be able to lift the ban. The state Department of Public Health took water samples today; results should be done by Wednesday, but even if they showed no problems, state officials recommend keeping the ban on recreational activities in place for at least two more weeks.