EDIS Number: BH-20140722-44619-USA
Date / time: 22/07/2014 03:22:34 [UTC]
Event: Biological Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of Oregon
Location: [Odell Lake]
Number of Deads: N/A
Number of Injured: N/A
Number of Infected: N/A
Number of Missing: N/A
Number of Affected: N/A
Number of Evacuated: N/A
Damage level: N/A
Description:
That's the advice from the Oregon Health Authority with regard to Odell Lake in the Cascade Range. Tests have confirmed the presence of "very high levels" of toxins produced by blue-green algae, the state said today. The toxin concentrations in the water can be harmful to humans and animals, the state said in a news release. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets, as well as skin contact with water, should be avoided, and drinking water directly from Odell Lake "is especially dangerous," the state said. The lake is off Highway 58 in Klamath County, about 31 miles southeast of Oakridge. Boating in Odell Lake is safe, provided the activity doesn't involve contacting the water or inhaling spray droplets, the state said. Toxic blue-green algae are common in a number of Oregon lakes, especially during the summer when warm weather appears to accelerate algae growth. The state each year issues toxic algae health advisories on anywhere from a half-dozen to 20 or more bodies of water. The state last issued an advisory on Odell Lake in 2009; that warning was in effect for three weeks. The Odell Lake warning is the only toxic algae alert currently in effect in the state. Last month, the state issued an alert that was in effect for 23 days for Lost Creek Lake near Medford. Toxic algae blooms can be identified by their striking visual appearance. The water turns foamy or scummy, with a pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red coloring. The bloom may be confined to one particular area of a lake, but state officials typically issue the alert for the entire water body because the toxins produced by the algae bloom can spread throughout.
