Toxic algae warning for lower San Lorenzo River Lagoon area

Santa Cruz County Environmental Health is warning the public and pets to avoid the water in the lower San Lorenzo River Lagoon area because of harmful toxins.

Health officials said harmful toxins are currently in the water produced by algae and blue-green algae.

They said these toxins have been linked to deaths in several dogs in Humboldt and Alameda Counties.

Health officials said algae released toxins can cause respiratory problems, liver problems, skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues in humans and stumbling, foaming, tremors and death in animals.