Local News The cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae, can sicken people and animals who come in contact with it. Sail boats float on the Charles River by Harvard Bridge with the State House dome in the background.

Boston public health officials are warning people to avoid a section of the Charles River following the discovery of a dangerous algae bloom.

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) said Friday that a cyanobacteria algae bloom was found in the Charles River downstream of Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge. Testing revealed that the cyanobacteria levels exceed state guidelines for recreational waterbodies in