Toxic algae blooms spreading in Ohio River on Ohio/West Virginia border

High levels of toxic algae blooms have been reported in two areas of the Ohio River in Monroe County, Ohio, reports WTRF7 in Wheeling, W.Va. The Monroe County Health Department has posted signs that people and pets are advised not to touch or drink the water at Sunfish Creek in Clarington (Best Places map) while algae levels are also high at Duffy, where the marina is currently shut down for renovations.

John Shreve, Director of Environmental Health, told WTRF, "We just urge residents to stay out of the water. If a child or a pet happens to get in it, wash with soap and water as quickly as possible. And if they get at all sick, seek medical attention." He said "it's actually fortunate that it looks so disgusting because it naturally discourages people from swimming, water skiing or boating. He said if it were invisible, he thinks a lot of people would be getting sick." Symptoms range "from a itch, to a rash, to stomach problems and nervous system problems." (Read more)