SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Public health officials have made an alarming discovery at one of the Bay Area's many state beaches just before the July 4 weekend.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
San Mateo County officials on Friday said visitors to San Gregorio State Beach should avoid the San Gregorio Creek lagoon until at least the middle of August following the detection of toxic algae. The creek's water will next be sampled then, and it will only be safe to access once it is declared free of the algae and posted notices telling people to avoid the area are removed.
Testers discovered algal mats, a type of harmful algal bloom growing on bottom surfaces that can be fatal to people, pets and livestock. Officials said in a release on Friday that "any standing or slow moving fresh or brackish water with visible signs of algae growth should be avoided this summer."
"Harmful algal blooms can be very dangerous," Heather Forshey, director of San Mateo County Environmental Health Services, said in a statement. "As families enjoy the water this summer, we urge everyone to be especially mindful of children and pets near any body of water where there is visible algae."
The algal mats are dangerous for people to touch, as well as eat and swallow, according to officials. Dogs, which aren’t permitted on San Gregorio State Beach, shouldn’t eat the mats or drink from affected water. If a person or pet gets sick after ingesting – or even coming into contact with – algae or water from the creek, a doctor or veterinarian should be called immediately.
The San Gregorio discovery follows the reported detection of algal blooms in Discovery Bay in Contra Costa County in the middle of June.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
