Be aware of harmful algae blooms, water quality during eclipse, Aug. 17

The Oregon Health Authority is advising the public about the potential for harmful blue-green algae blooms and toxins associated with these blooms on water bodies in areas people are visiting to watch the Aug. 21 eclipse. Any water body under the right conditions can develop a harmful algae bloom. Although not all blooms produce toxins at levels that are harmful to people, there is no way to know if a bloom is producing toxins, or the level of toxins being produced, without laboratory analysis of a water sample. Because only a fraction of Oregon’s fresh waters are visually monitored and sampled when blooms occur, people shouldn’t count on being notified about all harmful algae blooms, especially on water bodies not considered high-use for recreation, or those not used for public drinking water. When visiting a lake in Oregon for camping or other recreation, there are certain conditions to look for stay safe and healthy. If the water smells bad or looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint and pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red, stay out and don’t use the water for drinking or cooking. Algae toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treatment with camping filters. Only public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. Potable water at established campgrounds should be fine. Exposure to toxins occurs by ingesting or drinking affected water. Although these toxins are not absorbed through the skin, a puffy red rash may occur where skin comes into contact with a bloom. Toxins can cause a variety of symptoms including numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems, and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Special precaution should be taken with pets to keep them from drinking from or swimming in areas identified as having a potential bloom. The exposure level for dogs is much lower than that for people. Oregon health officials recommend that those who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, as toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water. Public health officials also advise people to not eat freshwater clams or mussels from a water body with a potential bloom, and that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations do not allow the harvest of these shellfish from freshwater sources. Crayfish muscle can be eaten, but internal organs and liquid fat should be discarded. With proper precautions to avoid activities during which affected water can be ingested, people are encouraged to enjoy their visit to Oregon for the eclipse. For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0400. For campground or lake information, call the local management agency, and heed all warning signs and educational materials regarding harmful algae blooms. OHA maintains an updated list of all health advisories on its website. To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body being sampled, visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab and select “algae bloom advisories,” or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767. You can also find lots of additional facts and information on the website to help you enjoy your visit while staying safe.