Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 07/26/2018 04:16 PM PDT
July 26, 2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
Second cyanobacteria warning issued for Long Lake
Public advised to avoid all contact with lake due to health risks for people and animals
The Kitsap Public Health District has issued a second cyanobacteria warning for Long Lake. The public should to avoid all contact with lake water in the lake due the presence of toxic cyanobacteria – also known as blue-green algae.
Because toxic cyanobacteria can make people sick, and can kill pets, fish, waterfowl and livestock, the public is advised to:
Avoid all contact with the lake water until further notice. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes (especially in areas where the algae are concentrated).
Avoid ingesting lake or stream water. If a resident draws lake water for drinking purposes, they are encouraged to drink bottled water until further notice.
Limit access of pets and livestock to the lake.
Avoid consuming fish caught during the algae bloom.
Rinse boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake.
The Health District previously issued a cyanobacteria warning for Long Lake on July 10. That advisory was lifted on July 19 after the cyanobacteria bloom cleared and tests showed that toxins were no longer present. However, another bloom is occurring so the Health District has issued another warning for the lake. The cyanobacteria warning for Kitsap Lake, also issued on July 10, is still in effect.
^^ Photo taken at the Long Lake County Park by Health District Staff the morning of 7/24/18.
No illnesses have been reported to Kitsap Public Health at this time. Warning signs are posted at public-access areas and roadsides around the lake. Residents who live near lakes or people visiting the lake are encouraged to look for cyanobacteria blooms and contact Kitsap Public Health at 360-728-2235 when blooms are observed, or if they notice any of the following conditions:
Large numbers of dead fish in the lake.
Sudden or unexplained sickness or death of a pet cat or dog.
If someone has entered the water and experiences skin rash, dizziness or weakness, respiratory allergy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
