City of Austin investigating potential harmful algae in Bull Creek

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin says it is investigating after it received a report that a person had developed symptoms that could be associated with exposure to harmful algae after playing in Bull Creek.

The city says it cannot confirm the presence of the harmful algae at Bull Creek nor whether the person's illness was caused by exposure. While the creek does "not have any obvious signs of harmful algae," the city took algae and water samples Friday morning and expects to receive preliminary lab results next week.

Austin authorizes 5 year, nearly $1.5M contract to manage and treat toxic algae

In 2019 the toxin made national headlines claiming the lives of three Austin dogs.

Cyanobacteria, or blue green algae, occurs naturally in Central Texas waterways, says the city. Some species can produce toxins under certain conditions. It is impossible to tell if toxins are present by looking at algae, so the city warns residents to assume that all algae may have toxins and avoid direct contact.

The city also advises people and pets to avoid warm, stagnant water and steer clear of any discolored or foul-smelling water. People and pets should also avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels tend to be higher.

Toxins were first detected in algae in Lady Bird Lake in 2019. The City of Austin ordered specialized lab tests after being told that a dog died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake.

Is toxic algae the new normal in area lakes?

Several of the Highland Lakes have already tested positive for toxic blue-green algae this year, says LCRA.

The city says it is currently monitoring Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin for harmful algae every other week and has detected low levels of dihydroanatoxin in algae at Red Bud Isle since June. Isolated positive tests for dihydroanatoxin have also be detected at Walsh Boat Landing in June and Jessica Hollis Park in March.

To date, the City of Austin has only detected toxins in mats of algae found growing on the bottom of the lake or floating on the surface. This means exposure would come through touching or swallowing visible algae. The City is aware of five dogs who died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake in 2019, and warning signs have been posted there for this reason.

In people, symptoms of exposure to harmful algae may include:

Dermatologic signs or symptoms such as rash, irritation, swelling, or sores
Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms
Respiratory signs or symptoms
Fever
Headache
Neurologic signs or symptoms
Ear symptoms
Eye irritation

Discussing toxic algae symptoms

The City of Austin continues to urge pet owners to not let their dogs swim in the water due to toxic algae. Dr. Kumar has details on symptoms for both dogs and humans.

In dogs, symptoms may include:

Excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea
Foaming at the mouth
Jaundice and hepatomegaly
Blood in urine or dark urine
Stumbling
Loss of appetite
Photosensitization in recovering animals
Abdominal tenderness
Progression of muscle twitches
Respiratory paralysis

The city encourages the public to call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to report any illnesses in either people or pets from exposure to harmful algae. More information about harmful algae can be found online here.

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MORE HEADLINES:
Scientist says toxic blue-green algae likely caused by cold weather
Is toxic algae the new normal in area lakes?
LCRA 'strongly urges' owners not let dogs touch algae in Highland Lakes
LCRA: Do not let dogs play near or ingest algae in Highland Lakes
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