HEALTH
ADVISORY: Jamaica Pond Closed Due to Suspected Algae Bloom
BOSTON
– October 6, 2023 —The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has issued a public
health advisory for Jamaica Pond due to a suspected bloom of blue-green algae,
also known as cyanobacteria. Based on initial visual inspection of the pond, it
appears likely that Jamaica Pond is experiencing a harmful algae bloom. 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.
Jamaica Pond is temporarily closed to water activities. During
the closure, park visitors cannot:
· Swim,
fish, boat or engage in other recreational activities on or in the water
· Allow
dogs to swim in or drink the water
If 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 in Jamaica Pond appears like a dull green discoloration
that could be confused as otherwise safe pond water. Blue-green algae blooms
can produce toxins that may make people and pets sick. Toxins may be present
within the algae cells or in the water.
For
humans, the primary concern is ingestion of water containing blue-green algae
while swimming. Direct skin contact with the blue-green algae and
inhalation of water droplets containing blue-green algae or toxins is a
secondary concern. For dogs, the primary concern is the ingestion of water
containing blue-green algae or scum that has washed ashore or gotten onto their
skin or fur.
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 the
toxins 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.
Call
your veterinarian immediately if your dog has been around an algae bloom and
shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions. These
symptoms present themselves soon after exposure. 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 deaths have been documented due to the
ingestion of harmful algae.
When will this advisory be lifted?
Algae
blooms may last for weeks or may disappear quite quickly. The Boston Public
Health Commission (BPHC) will coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of
Public Health (DPH) over the coming weeks. DPH water sampling will determine
when the advisory can be lifted. DPH recommends that the recreational water
advisory not be lifted until two consecutive weekly samples show algal cell
counts below the safe limit of 70,000 cells/milliliter of water.
If you
have any questions, concerns, or would like more information, please call the Mayor’s
Health Line at 617-534-5050.
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