Clatsop County
officials are asking the public to use caution while recreating at Cullaby Lake
while they monitor a potentially harmful algae bloom at the popular recreation
site.
Water samples from
the lake have been collected and sent for testing for evidence of harmful toxins
associated with blue-green algae, which was recently observed on the lake. Test
results are expected by early next week – in the meantime, the county recommends
that the public avoid contact with the water when algae is visibly present,
especially activities that could result in swallowing or inhaling
water.
Depending on the
results from the water tests at Cullaby Lake, the Oregon Public Health Division
will determine whether an official health advisory is issued. Under new state
options for monitoring harmful algae blooms, the County Parks Department will
conduct daily monitoring of the lake surface and continue sampling for toxins
while a bloom is present.
Both Cullaby Lake
Park as well as Carnahan Park, located on the lake’s north shore, remain
open.
Blue-green algae,
also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring organisms; certain species
can release nerve and liver toxins into the water that are particularly harmful
to children and pets if ingested. Symptoms can include nausea, cramps,
dizziness, numbness and breathing and heart problems. Most all blue-green algae
can cause skin irritation on contact even if they are free of toxins.
Cyanobacteria algae
blooms occur in many fresh-water bodies, but it is not possible to determine if
a bloom is potentially toxic simply by looking at it. If you see bluish-green,
green, white or brown scum on the surface of any body of fresh water, keep
children, pets and yourself out of the water. Even if the algae appear to be
isolated in a single area be aware that winds and currents can move algae across
the surface in minutes.
For more information,
contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767,
Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500 or the Harmful Algae
Bloom Surveillance Program online at www.healthoregon.org/hab
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