Harvey Lake blue-green algae presents health risk

New Brunswick health officials are warning about blue-green algaebeing found in a lake southwest of Fredericton.

The province says lab tests of samples taken in different areasat Harvey Lake confirm the presence of blue-green algae, orcyanobacteria.

People are advised to avoid swimming, water-skiing or any othercontact with the water in areas of the lake where the water isdiscoloured or where surface scum is present.

Officials say not all algae blooms are harmful to humans butblue-green algae can produce toxins that cause skin, eye and throatirritation or more serious medical issues such as severegastrointestinal illness if consumed.