Media Contacts: Matt Rabe, Public Affairs Office, US Army Corps of Engineers, (503) 808-4510

     Gary Stevens, Jackson County Environmental Health, (541) 774-8206

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

24 June 06

Public health advisory issued for LostCreek Lake 

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Lost Creek Lake, located 25 miles northeast of Medford, was issued today by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jackson County Health Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

Water sampling by the Aquatic Analysis has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, said Dave Stone, toxicologist with the Oregon DHS.

These 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 Lost Creek Lake is especially dangerous.  The toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering, or treating water.        

DHS recommends that if people choose to eat fish from Lost Creek Lake, they should remove all fat, skin, and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Symptoms of numbness, tingling, and dizziness 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.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.  

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Lost Creek Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing, and bird watching.

For local information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers, Rogue River Basin Project

(541) 878-2255.

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

or call Jackson County Health Department at (541) 774-8206

###