By The Berkshire Eagle

Copyright berkshireeagle

PITTSFIELD — For the second time this year, the city is urging residents to stay out of Pontoosuc Lake due to a blue-green algae bloom that poses health dangers to humans and animals.

Mayor Peter Marchetti’s office announced Tuesday that the city has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom at the lake.

Warning signs are being posted at access points around the lake, the mayor’s office said. The advisory applies to all access to Pontoosuc Lake, in Pittsfield and Lanesborough.

Until further notice, residents are advised to avoid all contact with the water, including swimming, boating, water sports, drinking the water and allowing pets to swim or drink from the lake. Eating fish caught from the lake is also discouraged.

Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae occurs naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Massachusetts. Normally, it causes no apparent harm. However, warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in abundance, leading to a bloom and potential danger to human and animal health.

Exposure can cause skin, eye and ear irritation; gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea; muscle cramps; and nerve or liver problems in extreme cases.

Harmful health effects from the bloom can result through skin contact with the tainted water, swallowing the water, and when airborne droplets are inhaled. Pets are especially prone to the health effects not only through skin contact, but also by ingesting the toxin by licking their wet fur.

If you or your pet accidentally come in contact with algae tainted water, thoroughly rinse off with clean water.

If you experience any of the symptoms of blue-green algae exposure contact your health care provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

If your pet experiences symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Regular monitoring of lake conditions will occur moving forward until the bloom dissipates. The advisory will remain in effect until two successive samples, collected a week apart, show cell counts or toxin levels below state guideline values.

For more information or questions, please contact the Pittsfield Health Department at 413-499-9411.