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Health Warning for Lake Roundabout
Friday, February 8,
2013
MEDIA
RELEASE
Health
Warning for Lake Roundabout
A health warning has been issued for Lake Roundabout, near Ashburton after potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic Anabaena cyanobacteria) were found.
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has issued the warning, which advises people to stay out of the water at this lake until further notice.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says the algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
Anabaena is a filamentous species of cyanobacteria which forms green globules that float in the water column.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms after contact with contaminated water, visit your doctor immediately,” Dr Humphrey says.
“No one should drink the water from the lake at any time and boiling the water does not remove the toxin.”
Toxic algae are particularly dangerous for dogs, so they should be kept away from the water.
“Animals that show signs of
illness after coming into contact with the algal bloom
should be taken to a vet immediately.”
Eating fish from the lake should be avoided
because they can concentrate the toxins in their gut.
“If fish are eaten, remove the gut and liver and wash the remainder of the fish in clean water.”
Environment Canterbury will continue to monitor the lake during summer and the public will be advised when the algal bloom has cleared.
For further information visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/lake-warnings.aspx
or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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