BETHEL, Ohio — People and pets should steer clear of the waters of Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park, according to a Tweet from the Clermont County Public Health Department.
High levels of toxins from a harmful algae bloom are present in the water of the lake, the department said.
Sampling results Tweeted by the health department state the lake shows the presence of microcystins, a toxin produced by algae that can cause skin irritation, eye irritations, respiratory symptoms and in some cases gastroenteritis, liver and kidney failure or death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Clermont County Public Health Department recommends all people and pets avoid the water; swimming or wading in the lake isn't recommended.
A Public Health Advisory has been issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources due to high levels of toxins from a harmful algal bloom. Keep yourself and your pets out of the water. See sampling results here. https://t.co/CcmZGI4wWd pic.twitter.com/CfgNLMZ3Oa
— Clermont County Public Health (@ccphohio) July 9, 2021
