News Release
| Release Number: | 06-130 |
| Dated: | 9/11/2006 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – High levels of a toxic form of blue-green algae were recently discovered in Willow Creek Lake, near Heppner, Ore., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.
Corps officials notified county and state health officials of the results. Morrow County will not be issuing a public health advisory. The algae were confirmed to be Microcystis aeruginosa.
Water containing visible algae blooms should be avoided; however, boat- and land-based recreation should not be impacted. High concentrations of the toxin producing algae appear as floating green, or blue to blue-green colored surface scum and can wash up on the shoreline. Do not use the water for swimming, cleaning, cooking or drinking, and do not let your pets drink or access the water. Fish taken from the lake should, at a minimum, have the organs and skin removed and discarded prior to cooking. Studies have shown that toxins mainly accumulate in the liver and viscera of fish, although microcystin has been detected in the fillet.
Warnings are posted around the lake advising the public of the potential risks and ways to avoid contact with the algae. When the toxins are present they can be absorbed if affected water is swallowed or inhaled as droplets or spray in the air.
Blue-green algae are plants that occur naturally in lakes and are often associated with increased water temperatures and nutrients in lake water. Algal blooms are rapid buildups of algae that are often found near the shore due to wind and waves, and are visible as masses of green, yellow or bluish-green slime.
Symptoms of ingestion of high concentrations of the toxin produced by Microcystis aeruginosa algae could include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, blistering of the mouth and pneumonia, dizziness and fainting. Pets and other animals are more likely to ingest a fatal dose from the areas of high algae concentrations. Symptoms reported in cattle include generalized weakness, hyperthermia, anorexia, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, mental derangement, muscle tremors, coma and death within a few days.
Monitoring will continue in the reservoir until toxic algae decline to safe levels. Check for news releases and updates on the Corps of Engineers, Portland District’s Web site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/.
For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/, or contact them at (971) 673-0444.