The Washington State Department of Health sent warnings to the city of Kenmore concerning a toxic algae bloom at the north-end of Lake Washington.

Algae blooms occur when there is a combination of warm water temperatures, sunlight, and nutrient-rich waters that allow the algae to reproduce quickly.

“It’s unusual for this time of year, but not unheard of,” said Andy Loch with the Bothell public works department. “Typically, as a safe guard measure, once you have the algae present, you just assume that the toxins are present as well.”

Blue-green algae, which has been detected in great numbers in Lake Washington, is a cyanobacteria that has similar qualities of algae, looks ‘blue-green’ and is commonly found on land and in waterways.

Some forms of blue-green algae can produce toxins or poisons which can cause illness in humans, pets and other animals to come into contact with it.

“Just [be] aware that it’s now present in the system…,” Loch said. “Those who are typically around the water can keep an eye out for it and to avoid contact with it.”

Blue-green algae can create nerve toxins (neurotoxins) and liver toxins (hepatotoxins) and it is suggested that people call a doctor or veterinarian if any people or pets have come into contact and show signs of poisoning.

Symptoms of neurotoxin poisoning include, numbness of lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness; for animals it includes, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions and death.

Symptoms of hepatotoxin poisoning in humans includes, signs of abnormal pain diarrhea and vomiting; and death in animals. Signs of liver poisoning may take hours or days to appear.