Harmful algal bloom advisory underway for Lake Desoto

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansans are urged to avoid the Lake Desoto area due to a harmful algal bloom advisory that has been issued.

According to reports, the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment's Division (E&E) Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has now issued an advisory involving Harmful Algal Blooms for Lake Desoto within Garland and Saline counties.

They say that there have been Cyanobacteria, which are the organism that makes up the harmful algal bloom, that have been visually confirmed in the areas.

Those blooms can produce various toxic substances, which could result in muscle spasms, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, and even gastrointestinal illnesses.

Therefore, the public is advised to avoid any contact with the lake in the impacted area.

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