Toronto Public Health is warning Toronto residents to stay out of the water near the mouth of Mimico Creek after tests detected the presence of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

Tests by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks found cyanobacteria in waters in Mimico Creek and Humber Bay Park East.

Exposure to toxins produced by some species of cyanobacteria — commonly known as blue-green algae — can cause headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes and mucous membrane irritation, the statement read.

The algae, which occurs naturally, is easily visible. Fresh blooms smell like mown grass, while older blooms have a scent of rotting garbage.

Dense blooms can make the water look like “green pea soup or turquoise paint,” the statement read.

Toronto Public Health is urging members of the public and their pets not to enter the area and to avoid ingesting the water.

“Individuals who come into contact with the water should wash themselves off as soon as possible with clean water,” the agency said. “If any of the above symptoms are experienced following a potential exposure to blue-green algae, contact a health care provider.”