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Health warning for North Canterbury lagoon
Media Release: 24 January 2014
Health warning for North Canterbury lagoon
The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning for a North Canterbury lagoon after potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) was found.
Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says people and animals, should avoid contact with the water at St Annes/ Mata Kopae Lagoon, a wildlife sanctuary near Cheviot, until the health warning has been lifted.
“The algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Dogs are particularly susceptible to the health risks. Fortunately they are prohibited in this wildlife sanctuary.”
The type of cyanobacteria that is currently present in high concentrations is Anabaena, which visually gives a green “soupy” appearance to the water.
“People should avoid contact with the water until further notice. Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips,” Dr Pink says.
“If you experience any of these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let your doctor know if you have had contact with the lake water.”
No one should drink the water from the lake at any time, even after it’s been boiled as it does not remove the toxin.
“Animals that show signs of illness after coming into contact with the water should be taken to a vet immediately,” Dr Pink says.
“Fish and shellfish can concentrate toxins and their consumption should be avoided. If fish are eaten, remove the gut and liver and wash in clean water.”
Environment Canterbury will monitor the lagoon weekly during the bloom and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality that are of public health significance, Dr Pink says.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
> The algae occur naturally but
can increase rapidly during warmer months.
> If the water
is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules suspended in
it, avoid all contact.
> Not all cyanobacterial blooms
are visible to the naked eye and toxins can persist after
the blooms disappear.
> Cyanobacterial concentrations can
change quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g.
wind). If a health warning is in place avoid contact with
the water.
For further information visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/lake-warnings.aspx
ENDS
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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