As per reports, health officials have lifted an advisory for the Ohio River in the Wheeling area after they found that the algae bloom in the area declined. But, the local health officials have asked the nearby residents to use caution during recreational water activities.

The order applied to Wheeling, Bethlehem, Triadelphia, the Ohio County Public Service District and all other areas that got water supply from the Wheeling water treatment plant, where mixing of water from the Ohio Rover and underground wells continued this weekend.

Residents were being asked to avoid watering lawns, filling swimming pools, washing cars or using water for any other unnecessary tasks.

Health department officials said, "Water quality levels are improving, caution should be observed in areas above the Pike Island Locks and Dam on the Ohio River, while algae is no longer visible. Ohio Valley residents should use caution when using Ohio River for water recreational activities".

According to Howard Gamble, administrator of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, the blue-green algae was first spotted last Wednesday near the Pike Island and Dam. Test results showed the presence of toxins in the water. At high concentrations, blue-green algae can cause health problems like skin irritation, eye irritation or intestinal illnesses, said officials.

The intake for the water treatment plant was closed Thursday as a precaution and the system was switched to a backup underground well.

Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. Symptoms of infection caused due to toxic algae include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, fatigue and difficulty in breathing.