High toxin levels found in Klamath County water bodies
Klamath Falls, Ore. -The health advisory issued July 28 for Upper Klamath and Agency lakes is being extended downstream to Keno Dam. An additional sample collected from the Link River just before it enters Lake Ewauna at the north end contained toxins at levels that could be harmful to health.
The advisory issued July 28 now includes Upper Klamath and Agency lakes, the Link River downstream to Lake Ewauna and the Klamath River downstream to Keno Dam. The original advisory was due to toxins at levels that could pose a risk to human health in Upper Klamath Lake, located just north of Klamath Falls along Highway 97 in Klamath County.
Continuous cold water conditions in Pelican Bay have prevented blue-green algae from growing there, so Pelican Bay is not included in this advisory.
Routine water monitoring by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and United States Bureau of Reclamation has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae toxins. These toxins, called cyanotoxins, are present at concentrations that can be harmful to humans and animals.
In areas covered by the advisory, swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided. Drinking water directly from areas under an advisory is especially dangerous. Skin contact with the algae can also cause rashes in individuals with sensitive skin.
Oregon health officials recommend that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Public health officials also advise people to not eat freshwater clams or mussels from areas under advisory and that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations do not allow the harvest of these shellfish from freshwater sources. Crayfish muscle can be eaten, but internal organs and liquid fat should be discarded.
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