Lemolo Lake Advisory Issued

BEND, OR -- The Oregon Public Health and Douglas County Health Departments have issued a health advisory for Lemolo Lake located about 30 miles southwest of Gilchrist.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels, health officials said, are likely to be in line with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water. Humans, as well as animals, should avoid not only swallowing or inhaling water droplets, but also skin contact with water. Drinking water from Lemolo Lake is especially dangerous.

Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Lemolo Lake visitors that boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters cannot remove toxins. OPH recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that 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.

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