KHQ MD ALERT: Health Advisory Issued For Fernan Lake; What You N - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

The density of blue-green algae in Fernan Lake is likely to be associated with potentially harmful toxin concentrations in water according to World Health Organization guidelines. Therefore, the public is advised to avoid swallowing or inhaling water and to avoid direct contact with water containing visible algae. Drinking water from the lake is especially dangerous and the toxins can't be removed by boiling or filtering the water. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans who drink or swim in water that contains high concentrations of cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial toxins may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, allergic responses or liver damage. Symptoms of exposure in humans are rare and include numbness, tingling, skin irritation and nausea. If symptoms persist or worsen people should seek medical attention. Pets and livestock should also avoid the area.

 

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to enjoy other activities near the lake including camping, hiking, biking, catch and release fishing and bird watching. If people choose to eat fish from this area, it is recommended that they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are most likely to collect in those tissues.

 

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring microscopic bacteria. There are many species that occur in Idaho surface waters and only some species release toxins under certain conditions. Blooms can occur in waters with high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen under certain conditions. Above average rain in June combined with rapid recent warming of water created favorable bloom conditions.

 

The physical appearance of blue-green algae blooms can be unsightly, often causing thick green mats along shorelines. Often excess nutrients associated with algae blooms are caused by pollution from human activities. Water quality improvements can be expected to reduce future algae blooms so the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is working with residents and landowners to implement nutrient reduction projects.