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Algal Bloom in Lake Pegasus
FEBRUARY 24, 2016
Health Warning – Algal
Bloom in Lake Pegasus
The Community and Public
Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has
issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green
algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) was found in Lake
Pegasus.
People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid contact with Lake Pegasus until the health warning has been lifted.
Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. 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,” Dr Pink says.
No one should drink the water from the lake at any time, Dr Pink says. Boiling the water does not remove the toxin.
“This bloom will be monitored on a weekly basis and the public will be advised of any changes that are of public health significance.”
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 Environment Canterbury’s website.
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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