DIAMOND LAKE.Byline: The Register-Guard For updates on the algae algae (ăl`jē) [plural of Lat. alga=seaweed], a large and diverse group of primarily aquatic plantlike organisms. These organisms were previously classified as a primitive subkingdom of the plant kingdom, the thallophytes (plants that alert, call the Diamond Lake Ranger District at (541) 498-2531, or check Forest Service updates online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/news/2003. Question: What's the danger from the algae in Diamond Lake? Answer: Lake water shouldn't be ingested because the algae may contain neurotoxins, which are potentially lethal. Skin contact may cause rashes. Question: Who's susceptible? Answer: All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to blue-green algae blue-green algae, popular name for those microorganisms that are now more properly called cyanobacteria. toxins, including people, waterfowl waterfowl, common term for members of the order Anseriformes, wild, aquatic, typically freshwater birds including ducks, geese, and screamers. In Great Britain the term is also used to designate species kept for ornamental purposes on private lakes or ponds, while in and household pets. Question: Are fish affected? Answer: Fish kills associated with algae blooms are most likely due to depletion of dissolved oxygen rather than toxins. Question: Can I become ill from being around the lake? Answer: Not as long as you avoid contact with the water. Question: What are the symptoms of toxic algae poisoning? Answer: Skin irritation skin irritation, n reaction to a particular irritant that results in inflammation of the skin and itchiness. or rash, diarrhea, nausea, cramps or general tiredness, numbness, dizziness, tingling tin·gle v. tin·gled, tin·gling, tin·gles v.intr. 1. To have a prickling, stinging sensation, as from cold, a sharp slap, or excitement: tingled all over with joy. and fainting. Some blooms can be associated with dermatitis or gastroenteritis gastroenteritis: see enteritis. gastroenteritis Acute infectious syndrome of the stomach lining and intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. . Question: What should I do if a person or pet swims or wades in the lake? Answer: Wash the lake water and algae off using water from a public faucet. Don't let pets lick the algae from their fur. Question: What are algae? Are all toxic? Answer: Algae are small, often microscopic plants, without leaves, stems and roots. Blue-green algae are the most primitive form of algae. Only certain species of blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins, and even these species are harmless most of the time. Question: Is the current algae bloom toxic? Answer: Officials assume the toxin is present at potentially harmful levels in the Anabaena Anabaena Genus of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Found as plankton in shallow water and on moist soil, they occur in both solitary and colonial forms and are capable of nitrogen fixation. flos-aquae algae bloom. Until the bloom dissipates or test results show no toxin present, a ban on swimming, wading and waterskiing will continue. Question: What's an algae bloom? Answer: A rapid and massive buildup of algae cells that imparts a green color to the water,appearing like pea soup or green latex paint. Algae have increased in cycles in Diamond Lake since human use began. Fish introduced in the lake, especially tui chub, have eaten the algae's natural predators. Question: Are fish from algae-infested waters safe to eat? Answer: Some concern may exist at very high toxin levels, but officials aren't aware of people harmed by eating the fish. Anglers should avoid contact with lake water. Question: Is the drinking water drinking water supply of water available to animals for drinking supplied via nipples, in troughs, dams, ponds and larger natural water sources; an insufficient supply leads to dehydration; it can be the source of infection, e.g. leptospirosis, salmonellosis, or of poisoning, e.g. safe? Answer: Drinking water provided at Forest Service campgrounds and other public facilities is safe for humans. It comes from wells. |
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