Warning Issued For Blue-Green Algae In The Russian River

GUERNEVILLE (CBS SF) -- Sonoma County health officials say there's been another toxic algae bloom on the Russian River and are urging people to be careful.

Officials aren't advising people to avoid swimming just yet, but they are warning people to keep their kids and pets safe.

The county said dog owners should keep dogs away from the river and that parents should to tell children not to drink the water.

Experts says blue-green algae is a growing problem.

Sonoma County health officer Karen Milman said,"Blue-green algae growths are becoming a bigger problem all across the country and this summer the Department of Health Services in Sonoma County launched a pilot program to monitor the river to keep track of it."

The blooms haven't hurt anyone so far, but three dogs died from another bloom last year.

The state is mobilizing to respond to an increased number of algae blooms.