MEDIA RELEASE 11 February 2009

Health warning issued for Waikato River hotspot

Bay of Plenty and Waikato residents are being reminded to take care when using Lake Ohakuri, after monitoring has confirmed the presence of an algal bloom in the Whirinaki arm of Lake Ohakuri.

A health warning has been issued for the Whirinaki arm of Lake Ohakuri, which is on the Waikato River near the settlement of Ngakuru (20km south of Rotorua).

“This area is a popular place for young people to jump off the nearby bridge and people often use the area for water-skiing as well,” says Public Health Specialist, Dr Neil de Wet. “Contact with the water in these areas may be hazardous and could result in health problems, so people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water.”

Algal toxins can trigger asthma and hayfever attacks, skin rashes, tummy upsets and even neurological effects such as tingling round the mouth, headaches, general breathing difficulties and visual problems.

“Have a good look around before you go into the water,” says Dr Neil de Wet. “If the water looks murky or has scum on the surface, go somewhere else.”

Signage is being erected today to alert people to the health warning.

ENDS

© Scoop Media