Health authorities warn of toxic algae in Alberta lake

A blue-green algae that is toxic to people and animals has been discovered in an Alberta lake.

Alberta Health Services issued an advisory Saturday, warning people not to drink the water in Baptiste Lake, 167 kilometres north of Edmonton in Athabasca County.

AHS said people and pets should not swim or wade in the lake, and should not consume fish from the lake.

Avoid contact with blue-green algae along the shoreline, as well, as animals or humans who drink or have skin contact with contaminated water may experience serious illness.

Symptoms of contact with the algae include skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, AHS said.