The Oregon Health Authority on Thursday, Sept. 5, issued a health advisory for the Powder River arm of Brownlee Reservoir due to cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare had issued a similar advisory for all of Brownlee Reservoir on Aug. 6.

OHA recommends people avoid swimming and high-speed water recreation, such as water skiing or tubing, in parts of the reservoir where algae blooms are present. The most likely way for people to be exposed to the toxins in cyanobacteria is by ingesting water.

People don’t absorb the toxins through the skin, but some people could have a puffy red rash from water exposure.

OHA encourages people to continue to visit the reservoir for fishing, camping, hiking, bird-watching and other activities. Boating is safe so long as the vessel doesn’t creative excessive water spray.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.