Southwest District Health, providing health care services to SW Idaho

Algae Bloom at Lake Lowell Could Present Potential Health Problems!

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Southwest District Health issued a health advisory at Lake Lowell due to a recent detection of blue-green algae blooms.

Southwest District Health and DEQ advise the public to avoid drinking, swimming in, or coming into contact with lake water where blue-green algae blooms are visible.

Blue-green algae are naturally-occurring bacteria. Under certain conditions, some types can release toxins into the water that are harmful to people, pets, and livestock. The blooms are generally green or blue-green and may form thick mats along shorelines. These may look like a surface scum or pea-soup. In this region, blooms historically appear in late summer and dissipate in mid to late-fall. Blooms will dissipate and water quality will improve with cooler temperatures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are exposed to water with high concentrations of blue-green algae may experience gastroenteritis, trouble breathing, skin irritation, allergic responses, liver damage or neurotoxic reactions such as tingling fingers and toes.Symptoms in humans are rare; anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention. Boiling or filtering the water will not remove blue-green algae toxins.

Links:

Complete Press Release
Facts about Blue-Green Algal Blooms (Cyanobacteria)
Blue-green Algae Health Advisary
When in Doubt - Best Keep Out