Algae bloom severe at lake.

Byline: The Register-Guard

A severe blue-green algae bloom at Paulina Lake in Newberry Crater south of Bend has prompted officials to issue a health advisory.

Scientists have identified high concentrations of Anabaena flos aquae in the lake, said Ken Kauffman, a state Department of Human Services environmental health specialist.

"Algae cell counts have been low during the early part of the summer, but samples collected on Aug. 30 contained toxigenic algae at levels above advisory action level at all three sampling sites," Kauffman said.

He said the cell counts at all three sites were 21,218; 37,009 and 1,237,744 cells per milliliter of water. The advisory threshold is 15,000 cells per milliliter.

Anabaena flos aquae organisms can produce toxins that affect the liver and nervous systems of animals and humans.

Kauffman advised that until further notice, ingestion or skin contact with water from the lake should be avoided. Swallowing or inhaling droplets of lake water should also be avoided, he said, adding, "People should carefully supervise their children and pets to avoid water contact."

Eating fish caught from the lake during the advisory period should also be avoided because it's possible that toxins may accumulate in fish muscle, Kauffman said. The fact that algae counts of more than a million have been found suggests that toxin levels may be extremely high, he said.

Symptoms of exposure to toxins can include numbness, tingling, dizziness or paralysis, leading to difficult breathing and cardiac disturbance. Other symptoms can include skin irritation, weakness, stomach or intestinal upset, cramping, vomiting or fainting.

Any of those symptoms require immediate medical attention, Kauffman said.

The bloom and the condition of the lake water will be monitored until the bloom subsides.

Additional information about the algae can be found at www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/esc/docs/maadvisories.com. Local information can be obtained by calling the local U.S, Forest Service office or the Deschutes County Health Department at (5541)322-7426.