Another beach in Hamilton has been closed due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae.

Hamilton's public health officials confirmed on Tuesday the closure of Beach Boulevard Beach to the public after blue-green algae, officially known as "cyanobacteria," was discovered. This type of algae can produce blue toxins, which are harmful to people and pets, and usually forms in warm, shallow, or stagnant waters.

Health officials are urging local residents and visitors to avoid any contact with the water along the Beach Boulevard shore or swimming in areas where this algae appears. However, if someone comes into contact with the blue-green algae, Hamilton's public health officials advise washing the contaminated area with clean water as soon as possible.

Those who come into contact with this water— or drink contaminated water— may experience symptoms such as sore throat, skin irritation, eye inflammation and redness, lip swelling, fever, nausea or diarrhea, or a combination of these symptoms.

Thus, the health agency urges anyone who recently visited Beach Boulevard Beach and is now experiencing headaches, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting to contact their primary healthcare provider.

Hamilton's public health officials confirmed that the presence of blue-green algae at public beaches in the Hamilton area strongly indicates that it is likely present within a larger body of water.

Hamilton's public health officials stated in their announcement: "Warning signs will be posted at the beach, and the closure will remain in effect until the blue-green algae subsides," adding that they will provide updates online.

Health officials also confirmed that the blue-green algae at Beach Boulevard do not affect drinking water in Hamilton.

This is the second beach to be closed due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae, as "Pier 4 Park" Beach has been closed since July 4th.