8/9/2006
Algae tests reveal health hazard at Vancouver Lake
Contact |
Randy Phillips, Public Health
Phone: (360) 397-8154
|
Vancouver, WA Clark County Public Health and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation are advising the public to avoid direct contact and ingestion of lake water at Vancouver Lake, due to elevated levels of blue-green algae.
Routine testing this week showed that blue-green algae is producing toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Public health officials are therefore recommending:
No swimming or wading
No wind surfing or sail boarding
No water contact for animals
Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing
The health warning will remain in effect until tests show that blue-green algae does not exceed guidelines set by the World Health Organization, according to Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer.
There are a number of ways in which algae can cause illness or injury, he said. It is especially important to keep children out of the lake because they are more likely than adults to swallow some of the water.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park will remain open to the public. The potable water within the restrooms and shelters are unaffected by the lake water and remain safe to drink.
What are the signs and symptoms of toxic algal poisoning?
Drinking or accidentally swallowing water with algae and toxins could lead to liver injury, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some toxins can damage the nervous system and lead to muscle tremors, paralysis and respiratory distress. Skin irritations, allergic reactions, rashes and blisters also are possible. Symptoms may occur within minutes or appear hours or days later.
What animals do the toxins affect?
If exposed, all warm-blooded animals may be at risk, including cats, dogs, livestock and waterfowl.
What if I swam in the lake recently?
Samples taken on July 24 did not show hazardous levels of algae. If you had contact with the water after that, and have signs or symptoms listed above, you may wish to contact your health care provider.
What is a blue-green algal bloom?
A blue-green algal bloom is a rapid and massive buildup that gives the water a scummy texture and a green color. It may also appear bluish, brownish or reddish green. A bloom may appear during warm weather, usually between May and October.
What causes algal blooms?
Warm, sunny weather and the presence of nutrients can cause algal blooms. Nutrients that enter the water and promote algal blooms include phosphorus and nitrogen, found in fertilizers and in agricultural, human and animal waste.
Are there any other blue-green algal blooms in Clark County at this time?
Clark County Public Health is unaware of other blue-green algal blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algal blooms and to report them at (360) 397-8428. Conditions may include:
Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
A thick mat or foam on the beach
An unpleasant odor
Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which has long, bright green strands.
Dead fish, waterfowl or other animals
What happens next?
Clark County Public Health will continue to test the lake and will advise the public when water contact is considered safe again.
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