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August 7, 2024
Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Recreational use advisory issued for Wapato Marsh in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Aug. 7
PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for the Wapato Marsh wetland habitat in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The advisory is due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and microcystin concentrations above recreational use values for human and animal exposure.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is in Multnomah County, along the Springwater Corridor.
People should avoid water contact in areas of the wetland where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.
OHA still encourages people to visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching.
Drinking water
Drinking water directly from areas of the refuge affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters.
Children and pets
Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.
Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.
Symptoms
Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.
Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.
Fishing
Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
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