Ingestion can cause symptoms similar to those that occur with food poisoning; children and dogs can be vulnerable
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
Health officials issued a preemptive health advisory for Emigrant Lake Thursday due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom, according to a news release from the Oregon Health Authority.
“People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities such as water skiing or power boating,” the release said.
The major route of exposure to the toxins is ingestion of water rather than exposure, as the toxins are not absorbed through the skin, the release said. Swimming and “high-speed activities” may create spray that could be easily accidentally inhaled.
Those with skin sensitivities may exhibit a puffy rash. The OHA encourages visiting the lake for activities such as camping, fishing and bird watching. Fishing should not necessarily be done with ingestion in mind, as the release states those who decide to eat fish from contaminated areas should remove fat, skin and organs and should rinse fillets with clean water before cooking or freezing.
“Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters,” the release said.
Those staying at the Emigrant Lake campsite should contact campground management or the local health department for safe water sources nearby.
Those using private water treatment systems should also be cautious, as not all systems can effectively remove cyanotoxins, the release said. Those not drawing water from a municipal system should seek an alternative water source.
Pets and children may be at an increased risk of exposure. Dogs can become extremely ill or die within minutes to hours of exposure to the toxins — even by licking their fur or dried crusts along shorelines, the release said.
Cyanotoxins can cause a range of health symptoms. Some are similar to food poisoning, with symptoms that can include stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. More serious symptoms include numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. Anyone enduring such symptoms should seek medical attention. Symptoms in dogs may exhibit as weakness, lethargy and difficult walking, seizures or loss of appetite.
Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Deputy Public Works Director Mike Morrison said the city of Ashland’s water is regularly tested and does not have an algal bloom at this time. The city’s water is “cold and clear” this time of year and is at higher risk for algal blooms during peak summer heat. Morrison said the city works with a biologist to monitor for the issue and would notify the public if cyanotoxins were detected.
More information or how to report illness and exposure can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria website.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
