State and local health officials are warning Long Beach residents and visitors who use El Dorado East Regional Park that harmful algae blooms have been discovered in water at the park.
The California Water board issued a statement confirming that samples taken from the shoreline near recreation areas of water bodies at the park showed a “high concentration” cyanobacteria, also known as blue green algae.
The toxin does not pose a threat to those swimming in water. However ingestion of material such as scums and mats could be dangerous, the state agency said.
Children should be kept away from the algae material. Dogs, fish and wildlife are the most susceptible, and officials recommend keeping pets out of the water. If they do swim in the water, they should be rinsed off with fresh water immediately.
Signs have been posted around the park warning people of the risk.
Exposure to the bacteria in can cause eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold and flu-like symptoms.