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Cyanobacterial warning update North Waikato lakes
Cyanobacterial warning update North Waikato lakes, Ngaroto and Rotoroa
Health warnings remain in place for four
of the five regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton. The
warning has been lifted only for Whangape.
Monitoring results from late May have shown that cyanobacterial cells remain at high levels in four of the five lakes which are routinely tested. The current bloom in Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) remains a significant health risk, especially for small children.
Rotoroa has had a health warning since mid February due to the presence of high numbers of cyanobacterial cells. The risk to the public remains high, due to wind concentrating cells and creating scums, particularly around the northern shores of the lake in the vicinity of the café and the children's playground.. High levels of cyanobacterial toxin is present in scum.
All contact with scums around the lake shore is hazardous to human health. Children's smaller size makes them particularly vulnerable, and dogs may also be at risk.
Waikato Regional Council is no longer routinely testing Lake Kainui but caution is always advised for users of this lake, because of its history of cyanobacterial blooms.
As always, these test results should be used
for general guidance only, as cyanobacteria and their toxins
will not be evenly spread through any lake and as in Rotoroa
may be concentrated in some areas by wind and water
movements.
During blooms, lakes should not be used for
any activity which involves skin contact with the water,"
said Dr Hood. Scums are a particular risk and contact with
scums should be avoided. If contact does occur, skin should
be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as
possible.
"If people still choose to do this when warnings are in place, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable."
Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided.
While not everyone will be affected, for some, the risks include rash, skin and eye irritation, allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma and possibly stomach upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
These effects may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water. Long term exposure to cyanobacterial toxins may bring additional health risks. Scums on any lake are likely to contain high levels of toxin.
The Waikato DHB Population Health Service would like to be informed about health problems which develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes.
"Up-to-date
information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from
local councils and Waikato Regional Council.
The Waikato
Regional Council
website:
http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environmental-information/Rivers-lakes-and-wetlands/healthyrivers/Waikato-River/Algal-Blooms-in-the-Waikato-region/#Heading4has
up to date results.
Health advice is available from the Population Health Service (07) 839 8899 in and out of hours.
ends
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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