A toxic blue-green algae capable of killing dogs and sickening humans has been found in waterways at New York City parks.
Plumes of the toxic algae have been discovered in the waters of Turtle Pond and Harlem Meer in Central Park as well as the pond in Morningside Park. Brooklyn residents have been warned to avoid the large pond in Prospect Park.
Known as cyanobacteria, this type of algae feeds off the sun and released oxygen, as well as toxins in the process, according to CNN. The poisons released by some blue-green algae can affect the liver, and in some cases the brain.
Symptoms usually arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure and include diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, difficulty breathing and convulsions or seizures, the EPA reports.
Contact with blue-green algae can also cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
New York City isn’t the only place you’ll find these types of poisonous blooms of algae. They have been observed in all 50 states, across a range of waterways.
