A couple of boats sail through discolored water caused by an algae bloom near the Lindon Marina in Utah Lake in Lindon, Utah. Utah County health officials said at least eight people have fallen ill after interactions in Utah Lake, which has a potentially toxic algae bloom. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)
PROVO, Utah (AP) — A potentially toxic algae bloom emanating from Utah Lake has forced the closure of an 8-mile stretch of the Jordan River in Utah County.
Utah County health officials announced the closure Tuesday due to the risk to people, pets and animals. Utah Lake, a popular recreation spot, has been closed since July 15 after tests showed algae three times the threshold for closing a lake.
Utah County Health Department spokeswoman Aislynn Tolman-Hill says they don't know how many people have fallen ill after being in the lake. Symptoms of those who got sick include diarrhea and vomiting.
In 2014, a dog died shortly after playing water affected by another algal bloom.
Officials are warning people and farmers not use water that comes from the lake to water lawns, gardens, and produce.
It's unknown when the algal bloom will go away.