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

David Bussen or Terry Westfall, Douglas County (541) 464-3820

September 26, 2006

Public Health Advisory Issued For Lemolo Lake

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Lemolo Lake, located 60 miles from Roseburg, Oregon, was issued Tuesday, September 26, 2006, by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), the Umpqua National

Forest and the Douglas County Health Department. "Water sampling by the Umpqua National Forest has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae Anabaena species 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 Lemolo Lake is especially dangerous. The toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering, or treating water. DHS recommends that if people choose to eat the fish from Lemolo 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, dizziness and paralysis can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting, and 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 Lemolo Lake for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and bird watching.

For local information contact the Diamond Lake Ranger District office at (541) 498-2531 or (541) 793-3310 weekends, or

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/.

For health information, contact Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist at (971) 673-0444 or http://www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/esc/docs/maadvisories.cfm

or call David Bussen or Terry Westfall, Douglas County Health and Social Services at (541) 464-3820.

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