QUINCY — People are being advised to avoid a section of the Crescent Bar shoreline between Trinidad Beach and Chinook Park after a dog died Aug. 26 from possible exposure to blue-green algae.  

“We received a report of a dog that spent time in the above areas and later showed signs of cyanotoxin poisoning, an illness caused by harmful toxins found in algae blooms,” said Lexi Smith, communications coordinator for the Grant County Health District, in a press release. “Sadly, the dog passed away shortly afterward.” 

In a separate interview with the Columbia Basin Herald, Smith said potential exposure to algae of any kind is something people should take into account before they enter a lake or river.  

“There’s always a chance for algae poisoning,” Smith said. “It’s always something to be aware of. It’s always something to check for. “ 

Health district workers are collecting samples from the area of the suspected bloom, and Smith said results will be available within a week. Warning signs are being posted also, she said. 

“What we most commonly see in Grant County is blue-green algae, which is like green paint floating on the water. But there are other types of toxic algae blooms as well,” Smith said. “The one that we mention in our media release is one that is found in rivers, but it's typically at the bottom, and it's more like a mat rather than a bloom. But parts of it can break off and float to the surface, and those ones carry toxins as well. So our advice is that when in doubt, stay out.” 

The health district conducts periodic checks on Moses Lake, and runs tests when possible algae blooms are reported in other areas of the county. The results are available on the GCHD website. Smith said people can check those before they head out for a day on the water. 

“Be mindful that we live in an area with really high temperatures and toxic blooms are actually pretty common in our county,” she said. “So be very aware of your surroundings and always check before you get into the water.”  

People should avoid areas where they see scum on the water when boating or fishing and should wash off after a swim in a lake or river, the GCHD release said. Pets too should be washed off after a swim, she said.  

Some of the most common symptoms of toxic algae exposure include skin irritation, weakness, vomiting, or numbness in fingers, lips or toes, she said. 

People who suspect they have encountered toxic algae should contact a doctor, and any pets who may have been exposed should be taken to a veterinarian.  

Health district officials ask people who are out on the water to report any suspected algae they encounter. 

“We do have a system that is set up on Moses Lake, of course, but we really do rely on the community to notify us of any blooms on other water bodies in Grant County,” she said. “Anytime somebody sees something that they suspect could be blue-green algae or another type of a toxic bloom, they can report it to the health district.”