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Health warning – algal bloom in Lake Pegasus
The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury DHB has issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) were found in Lake Pegasus.
People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid contact with Lake Pegasus until the health warning has been lifted.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to people 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 Brunton says.
“No one should drink the water from the lake at any time. Boiling the water does not remove the toxin.”
Lake Pegasus is being monitoring on a weekly basis and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality.
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 human 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 – Swimming Water Quality.
Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.
For more information on Mahinga kai:
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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