Well, with warmer weather and still waters, the algae blooms again:
Oregon Public Health issues advisories for North Fork Reservoir and
Timothy Lake
Health advisories prompted by high algae levels found in North Fork Reservoir, located seven miles south of Estacada on Hwy. 224, and Timothy Lake, located 25 miles south of Government Camp, were issued Friday by Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division and Clackamas County Health Department officials. Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals. Drinking water from North Fork Reservoir and Timothy Lake is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters.
Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.
Dogs have become very sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae. If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don't let your pet drink or swim in the water.
If your dog goes into the water:
· Don't let your pet lick its fur
· Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible
· If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in bloom-affected water, call your veterinarian immediately.
· Serious sickness or death can occur within minutes or hours, depending on exposure.
Immediate action is critical if your pet is exposed.
