Recreational Use Advisory issued for South Tenmile Lake

COOS COUNTY, Ore. – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational health alert Monday for South Tenmile Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacterial bloom and microcystins above recreational use levels for human and animal exposure. The lake is in Coos County.

According to OHA, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, people should avoid swimming and fast water activities such as water skiing or motorboating because the primary route of exposure is through ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may experience a swollen red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit South Tenmile Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as the speed does not result in excessive spray. With sprays there is a risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

drinking water

It is particularly dangerous to drink water directly from the areas of the reservoir affected by a bloom. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering, or treating water with camping filters. If you have questions about water availability at nearby campgrounds or day-use areas, contact campground management or the local health department.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. Individuals who do not use a well or public water system and obtain their water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk of exposure due to their size and activity level. Dogs can become extremely sick and even die within minutes to hours if they are exposed to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts on the shore. This applies regardless of whether there is a health recommendation for recreational use.

Dogs can get water poisoning and die if they drink excessive amounts of water for a long period of time while swimming or retrieving objects. Poisoning is a potentially fatal disorder of brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms to exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may resemble food poisoning, such as: B. Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can also be more severe, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs may experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, and more. If a dog shows symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms may pose unknown health risks, so the OHA recommends not eating fish from these areas. Anyone who decides to eat fish should remove fat, skin and innards before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to accumulate in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482 or visit the OHA Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.