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Health warning for Hurunui River at State Highway 1
MEDIA RELEASE
February 26, 2014
Health warning for Hurunui River at State Highway 1
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board have issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) were found in the Hurunui River at State Highway 1.
People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid the water in the Hurunui River at SH1 until the health warning has been lifted.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the cyanobacteria 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,” Dr Humphrey says.
“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.”
Boiling the water from the river does not remove the toxin and therefore should not be consumed, Dr Alistair Humphrey says.
Animals that show signs of illness after coming into contact with algal mats should be taken to a vet immediately.
People 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.
• Cyanobacteria occur naturally but can
increase rapidly during warmer months.
• It often has
a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary
over short periods with changing environmental
conditions.
• 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
information visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/river-warnings.aspx
Or
contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364
1777.
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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