The Monroe County Health Department received preliminary positive results this week from testing of a suspected blue-green algae bloom, also known as cyanobacteria, or harmful algal blooms (HABs), in Lake Erie at Sterling State Park and Luna Pier Beach.

Similar conditions are present along most of the Lake Erie shoreline in Monroe County.

More:NOAA Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast

MCHD is recommending visitors and residents of the lake avoid water-related activities and keep pets from drinking or going in the lake water in the area where the bloom is visible until sampling for testing is complete or the bloom breaks up. Additional sampling will continue to occur to verify the presence of the bloom. Advisory signs have been posted around the lake.

Summer is the peak season for the formation of HABs that can present health hazards to people and pets. In Michigan, algal blooms typically occur during periods of warm temperatures, lots of sun, and high nutrient levels.

It is not possible to determine whether algal blooms contain harmful toxins by looking at them, so it is best to avoid contact with any body of water that is covered with algal mats or significant rafts of algae on the surface. You can search advisories or closings for bodies of water throughout Michigan online or contact EGLE at 800-662-9278 for more information about HABs and the environment.

Report suspicious-looking algae to EGLE by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or by emailing AlgaeBloom@michigan.gov.

For more information on HABs and your health, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942. For information about HABs and pets or livestock call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at 800-292-3939. You may also contact the MCHD at 734-240-7900 for more information and updates. MCHD will provide additional updates as we learn more information.