Algae prompts warnings at 3 Ohio state lake parks

COLUMBUS (AP) — Officials have now issued warnings about three Ohio state park lakes because of toxic, blue-green algae seen in the water.

Signs were posted in recent days advising visitors not to touch the water or go boating on Cutler Lake at Blue Rock State Park in eastern Ohio’s Muskingum County.

A park administrator says employees first observed algae on Aug. 1.

A similar warning has been in effect at western Ohio’s Grand Lake St. Marys, the state’s largest inland lake. Visitors at Burr Oak State Park in southeast Ohio are advised to limit contact with water, avoid swallowing it water and avoid touching surface scum.

The Ohio Department of Health is investigating reports of 13 people possibly becoming sick from the algae at Grand Lake St. Marys. Officials say the lake won’t reopen before next spring.