Authorities urging fresh water recreational users to avoid contact
7/19/11
Officials with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services are warning recreational users of the South Fork of the Eel River, the Van Duzen River, Big Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon, and all other fresh water bodies to avoid contact with algae this summer.
”Usually it does not affect animals or people. However, warm water and abundant nutrients can cause blue-green algae to grow more rapidly than usual,” the release said.
The department recently posted signs at the Freshwater Lagoon near Orick to tell people to avoid algae blooms since water samples were found to contain two types of potentially toxic blue-green algae. Staff plans to post similar signs at other coastal lagoons, the South Fork of the Eel River and the Van Duzen River, according to a press release.
The department has been aware of 11 dog deaths possibly caused by blue-green algae poisoning since 2001. The dogs died shortly after swimming in Big Lagoon, the South Fork of the Eel River and the Van Duzen River. A nerve toxin associated with blue-green algae was found in the stomachs of some of the dogs and some water samples.
The onset of symptoms can be rapid -- dogs have died within 30 minutes to one hour after leaving the water.
Additionally, blue-green algae blooms that produce a liver toxin have been documented in Klamath River reservoirs and the Klamath River.
The algae looks like green, blue-green, white or brown scum, foam or mats floating on the water.
Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water. Dogs are more vulnerable because they may swallow the toxin when they lick their fur.
Potential symptoms in dogs following exposure to blue-green algae toxins can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, salivation, vomiting, urination, diarrhea or convulsions. People can experience eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms.
To prevent algae blooms, the department advises people to be conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on lawns, gardens or agricultural operations; to plant or maintain native plants around banks to help filter water; to pump and maintain septic systems every three to four years; to prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas; and to prevent erosion around construction and logging operations.
For more information, call 445-6215 or 800-963-9241.
AT A GLANCE:
Guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas:
* Avoid wading and swimming in water containing algae blooms. Try not to swallow or inhale water spray in an algae bloom area.
* Keep children, pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algae scum or mats.
* Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water.
* Never drink, cook with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or lakes.
* Get medical attention immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to tell the doctor about possible contact with blue-green algae.
According to the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services,
Human activities can have a big effect on nutrient and water flows in rivers, streams or lakes. Phosphorous and nitrogen found in fertilizers, animal waste, and human waste can stimulate blooms. Excessive water diversions can increase water temperatures and reduce flows. People can take the following measures to prevent algal blooms in our waters:
• Be very conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn, garden or agricultural operation.
• Recycle any “spent” soil that has been used for intensive growing by tilling it back into gardens. Or protect it from rainfall to avoid nutrient runoff.
• Plant or maintain native plants around banks. These plants help filter water and don’t require fertilizers.
• Pump and maintain your septic system every three to four years.
• Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas.
• Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations.
Please contact the Humboldt County DHHS Division of Environmental Health, at
(707) 445-6215 or 1-800-963-9241 for further information. The California Department of Public Health website also has more details.
