Warming Climate Leads to More Toxic Algae Blooms

From the Patch:

Toxic Algae At Lake Cochituate Prompts Health Warning
Toxic blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, can cause illness in people and pets — and in rare cases death.
By Neal McNamara , Patch Staff

FRAMINGHAM, MA — State health officials are warning locals to avoid coming into contact with water at Lake Cochituate due to a probable toxic blue-green algae bloom. Residents should expect to see warning signs posted near water access points.

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, typically blooms during warm weather. The pea-soup looking blooms can irritate the skin, and can do internal damage to humans and pets if inhaled or swallowed. In rare cases, cyanobacteria can cause organ failure and death.

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Lake Cochituate is one of 14 bodies of water in Massachusetts, including the Hopkinton Reservoir, with a toxic algae warning right now, according to Framingham city officials.