Heath Advisory Lifted at Tenmile Lanes, Dec. 5

The Oregon Health Authority has lifted a health advisory issued October 4, 2013 for Tenmile Lakes.  High levels of a blue-green algae toxin in the lake prompted the initial advisory.  No reports of adverse reactions relating to exposure were reported to Coos County Public Health Department during this period.  Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae and associated toxins. These reduced levels are not likely to be harmful to humans and animals.  Oregon health officials advise people who use Oregon bodies of water for recreation to always be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid contact if the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, or if a thick mat of algae is visible in the water.  In an effort to decrease the risk to public health and maintain the long-term vitality of these recreational lakes, the City of Lakeside and Coos County formed a taskforce.  The taskforce began meeting in May of this year and has been working to identify ways to decrease these toxin producing algae.  The efforts of the taskforce include:  Determining the root cause of the problem; Identifying potential solutions; Securing funding or other resources to implement solutions; Exploring regulatory options for ensuring the future existence of healthy, recreational Tenmile Lakes.  If you have questions or concerns please contact Coos County Health Department at 541-751-2431.  For local information about water quality or blue-green algae sampling, contact the Tenmile Lakes Basin Partnership at 541-759-2414.  For health information, to report human or pet illnesses due to blooms, or to ask questions about a news release, contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0400. Also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or visit the Harmful Algae Bloom program’s website at www.healthoregon.org/hab and select “Algae Bloom Advisories,” for information regarding advisories issued or lifted for the season.