August 4, 2005

Media Contact:  Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180

Technical Contact:  Dave Stone, DHS  (971) 673-0444

Deschutes National Forest, (541) 383-5653

Public health advisory lifted for eastern half of Odell Lake

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in the eastern half of Odell Lake, located 30 miles southeast of Oakridge, was lifted today by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), the Deschutes National Forest and the Klamath County Health Department.

The advisory went into effect on July 19.

Water sampling by the U.S. forest service has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, said Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist. 

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Stone advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algae blooms.  People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water. 

For local information contact the Deschutes National Forest at (541) 383-5300.

For health information, contact Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist, at (971) 673-0444 or http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml

or call Klamath County Health Department at (541) 882-8846.

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