OHA release – If you’re planning to cool off in Oregon’s natural waters this summer, be aware that beach water can contain harmful bacteria, and that higher air temperatures can lead to toxic algae blooms in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. In fresh water, the beneficial bacteria “cyanobacteria” are found worldwide. But in the right conditions—warm weather, sunlight, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry—cyanobacteria can multiply into algae blooms containing cyanotoxins that can make people and animals sick. Symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure can include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms severely or for 72 hours after exposure to fresh water, seek medical attention. Children and pets are particularly sensitive to illness because of their size and activity levels. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water or licking their wet fur. Stay out of water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like pea-green or blue-green paint, or where brownish-red mats are present (see pics here). Avoid swimming, water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and other high-speed water activities in areas lakes affected by a bloom. Watch this VIDEO to learn more. At the beach, salt water can contain higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria caused by sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, storm water runoff, boating waste, humans, and animals. People should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Exposure to such water can cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills and fever, skin rashes and infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. If you experience any of these symptoms after exposure to beach water, contact your health care provider.
