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State warns against swimming, water skiing at Coos County lake due to toxic algae bloom


Toxic algae symptoms can last anywhere from a week to a month in people and pets. (SBG photo)
Toxic algae symptoms can last anywhere from a week to a month in people and pets. (SBG photo)
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UPDATE: Health advisory lifted

LAKESIDE, Ore. - Avoid swimming and water skiing at Tenmile Lakes at South Lake due to a toxic algae bloom, the Oregon Health Authority said Friday.

The agency said tests found the "presence of a cyanobacterial (harmful algae) bloom and cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) above recreational guideline values for human exposure" in the Coos County lake.

The state issued similar warnings Friday for Cullaby Lake in Clatsop County and Klamath Lake in Klamath County.

Similar warnings remain in effect for Brownlee Reservoir on the Oregon/Idaho border. A season precautionary warning is in effect for Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon. The South Umpqua River is under a permanent advisory for toxic algae.

"People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are identified," OHA said. "Although toxins are not absorbed through the skin, people who have skin sensitivities may experience a puffy red rash."

Other activities at Tenmile Lake - like fishing, camping, hiking, picknicking and bird watching - are safe.

"Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk," the agency said.

Anglers should take precautions, however, before consuming fish caught from the lake.

"Fish caught from areas where cyanobacterial blooms are present should have fat, skin and organs removed before cooking or freezing, as toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water," OHA said.

Residents and campers should also consider whether drinking water is safe.

According to OHA:

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.
People who are not on a well or a public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source because not all private treatment systems are proven effective in removing cyanotoxins.

How do you know if you have been exposed?

Here is how OHA describes symptoms of exposure to toxic algae:

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and result in a range of symptoms, from those similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, to more serious symptoms like numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath that may require medical attention. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. People who bring their pets to a lake with areas affected by a bloom for recreation activities should take special precautions to keep them from drinking from or swimming in these areas.

For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) at 971-673-0482.

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