NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the public should avoid contact with a section of Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence as well as the swimming area at George Washington Campground in Chepachet.
RIDOH said that the area of Wenscott Reservoir contained a harmful algae bloom cause by blue-green algae, while the swimming area at the campground had high levels of bacteria.
RIDOH said that skin contact with blue-green algae can irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, while ingesting the algae can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as well as dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage…