Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a
health warning for the Ōpihi River at State Highway
1.
The warning follows finding moderate to high cover
of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the
Ōpihi River at State Highway 1.
People should avoid
the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be
allowed near the water until the health warning has been
lifted.
There are also other access points along the
Ōpihi River that may have benthic cyanobacteria present.
People are advised to treat every low-flowing river
cautiously, check for the presence of benthic cyanobacteria
and avoid contact.
Dr Matthew Reid, Medical Officer of
Health for Te Mana Ora, National Public Health Service Te
Whatu Ora, says the algae look like dark brown to black mats
and can produce toxins harmful to people and
animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea,
stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and
fingertips.”
“If you experience any of these
symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your
doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black
algal mats or water in this area”, Dr Reid
says.
Pets that show signs of illness after coming
into contact with algal mats should be taken to a vet
immediately.
People and animals should remain out
of the waterways until the warnings have been
lifted.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring the sites
and the public will be advised of any changes in water
quality.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
· Appears
as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the
riverbed.
· A low cover of the algae can occur
naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
Algal blooms are influenced by a combination of available
nutrients in the water and sediments (such as nitrogen and
phosphorus), a sustained period of low and stable flows, and
favourable weather conditions (e.g. increased temperature,
calm days).
· It often has a strong musty smell and
algal toxin concentrations can vary over short
periods.
· Although high river levels will remove the
algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore
and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
· If a
health warning is in place avoid contact with the
water.
· Although district or city councils may place
warning signs, these may not be seen at the numerous river
access points, hence the need for people/ dog-walkers to
treat every low-flowing river cautiously.
For further
details visit: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/
Or
contact Te Mana Ora on (03) 364 1777:
https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/
For
more information about Mahinga Kai:
https://www.cph.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/saf0112.pdf
For
further information, contact:
communications@cdhb.health.nz
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