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CALGARY – Health officials are warning of dangerous algae in a lake located about 40 kilometers east of the city.

Officials have found blue-green algae in Eagle Lake, which can produce a toxin known to cause illness in any animals or humans who come into contact with it.

Residents living on the shores of the lake and visitors are warned not to drink the water, or allow pets to drink it.

Even boiling water from the lake won’t remove the toxins.

Avoid contact with the algae, and don’t swim or wade in the lake.

In addition, people are cautioned to limit how many fish from Eagle lake they consume.

People who come in contact with the algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

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Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days, however, symptoms in children are often more pronounced.

People who consume contaminated water as a primary source for drinking water can develop more serious illnesses, such as liver damage, over time.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae, or if you require further information on blue-green algae, please call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Although weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another, the toxin can stay in the water even after algae have moved or disappeared.

As such, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.