Blue-green algae closes several Suffolk ponds

With Stony Brook University researchers confirming the presence of blue-green algae, residents are asked to steer clear of waters of Georgica Pond in East Hampton, Suffolk County health officials said Tuesday.

Pets and children should be kept away from the area, officials said.

Similar precautions should be taken with other locations with blue-green algae -- Roth Pond on the Stony Brook campus, McKay Lake in Calverton, Fort Pond in Montauk, Kellis Pond in Bridgehampton, Wainscott Pond in Wainscott, Agawam Lake and Mill Pond in Southampton and Maratooka Lake in Mattituck.

Any water looking "scummy or discolored should be avoided." If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water and see a doctor for symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, the health department said.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in low numbers, but can increase, forming blooms of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red, as well as floating scum, the county health department said in a release.

Learn more at http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/HarmfulAlgalBlooms/Cyanobacteria.aspx