A health warning has been issued today for Te Weta Bay at
Lake Rotoiti. There is also a current health warning for
Okawa Bay at Lake Rototi which was issued by Toi Te Ora
Public Health earlier this week. The health warning is based
on water test results and visual observations provided by
the Bay of Plenty Regional Council which indicate an
extensive algal bloom throughout this area of the
lake.
“People should avoid any activity which
results in contact with the water at Te Weta Bay and Okawa
Bay at Lake Rotoiti,” says Dr Jim Miller, Medical Officer
of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.
Contact with
water affected by blooms of blue-green algae can cause
asthma and hayfever attacks in some individuals. Contact
with the blue-green algae can also cause skin rashes,
stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such
as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing
difficulties and visual problems.
Signage will be
erected at sites along the shore of the bay advising
potential lake users about the algal bloom.
As we head
into summer Dr Miller advises the public to keep an eye out
for signs of algal blooms if using lakes in our region.
“Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and
can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as
well as animals. If the water looks discoloured, has an
unusual smell, or has green or brown particles floating in
it then it is best to avoid contact with
it.”
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