Contra Costa Health Services advises caution on the part of anyone who boats, fishes or swims in or around Discovery Bay after large blooms of blue-green algae were discovered in multiple locations in and around the community.
A bloom is a buildup of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, that creates a green, blue-green, white or brown coloring on the surface of slow-moving waterways.
Human exposure to water containing toxic harmful algae blooms, for example by direct body contact or ingestion, can result in a number of symptoms including the following:
- Rashes
- Eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal upset, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Learn more about harmful algae blooms.
See Health Services press release for more information and resources.