Algae bloom health advisory at Odell Lake.

Byline: Bill Bishop The Register-Guard

ODELL LAKE - A blue-green algae bloom has released toxins into Odell Lake that are unsafe for humans and animals, according to a health advisory issued Wednesday by the Willamette National Forest and the state Department of Human Services.

The algae, which actually is a kind of bacteria, blooms around the world and has been monitored in Oregon since 2004. Similar health advisories were issued for Odell Lake in 2004 and 2005. While algae blooms are unpredictable, advisories typically last two to three weeks on the lake, according to state records.

The bloom produces a cloudy blue-green color and releases toxins that cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or chemically treating the water, so drinking it can be especially dangerous. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable, officials said.

"It's really hard to keep kids and pets out of water when it's hot," said Ken Kauffman, an environmental health specialist for the state DHS.

The toxins affect the liver and nervous system of humans and animals. Symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting also should receive medical attention.

People who decide to eat fish caught in the lake should remove all fat, skin and organs - where toxins concentrate - before cooking.

The algae bloom need not prevent activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching, officials said.

Past blooms have had no impact on tourist activity at Odell Lake Resort, where resort officials typically inform guests about precautions to take, Maintenance Supervisor Andy Anderson said Wed- nesday.