Humans, Pets Warned to Avoid Creek

Update 11 a.m.
While no one has reported coming down with any illness, officials say there is no clear way to clear harmful algae blooms from Aquia Creek.

Rappahannock Area Health District Gary Switzer says officials are monitoring the water and have urged residents and animals to stay clear, there is no plan in place to remove the blooms from the creek.

“There are a lot of factors that are in play, from the water temperature to currents, we are monitoring everything right now,” said Switzer.

Aquia Creek headwaters are in Fauquier County, and the 45-mile stream empties into the Potomac River at Brent Point in Stafford County, near where they harmful blooms have been found.

Original Post 8 a.m.
North Stafford, Va. — Beach goers are being urged to stay out of Aquia Creek after some potentially harmful algae blooms have been found the water.

Officials from the Virginia Department of Health on Monday found a blue-green algae species, Microcystis aeruginosa, which produce micro toxins that can be harmful to both animals and humans.

“The Stafford Office of the Virginia Health Department is advising people to avoid contact with the water in the areas of these algae blooms and to keep their pets out of the water. People who come into contact with the water may experience skin or respiratory irritation if exposed to the water. If water is ingested, abdominal pain, jaundice, malaise, and/or vomiting may occur in humans,” according to a press release.

Pets that do get into the creek waters should be prevented from licking their coats and be bathed to remove the algae toxin that could be trapped in their coats, as it may be fatal.

The toxins were found Monday during a routine sampling of the water. Officials say no one has reported being sick due to the toxins.

Officials plan to continue collecting water samples to monitor water conditions.