2010 Blue-Green Algae Alert Golden Gardens Dog Training

New Search

The Register- Guardhttp : / /www.registerguard.com/ Health alert issued for Golden Gardens pond I People and pets should take care to avoid the water, which contains toxins from blue -green algae Posted to Web: Friday, Aug 6, 2010 12: 01AM Appeared in print: Friday, Aug 6, 2010, page B1 State and county officials have issued a health advisory for the main pond in Golden Gardens park in northwest Eugene. High levels of a blue -green algae that produces toxins harmful to humans and animals have been confirmed in the pond. People, and their pets, should avoid swallowing or inhaling water droplets from the pond and avoid skin contact, health officials said. Water monitoring confirmed the levels of the blue -green algae in the pond, state Public Health and Lane County Health Department officials said. These algae levels are linked to dangerous amounts of toxin in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines. Exposure to toxins can produce numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention, health officials said. If a person develops skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps or fainting after being exposed to the water they should seek medical attention if the conditions persist or get worse, health officials said. Children and pets are particularly susceptible, health officials said. If a dog does go into the water, Oregon Public Health officials said, it should be washed off with clean water from another source. And make sure the dog doesn't lick the algae out of its fur. Even with the algae bloom, people can still use the area around the main pond for hiking, biking, picnicking, catch - and - release fishing and bird watching, officials said. Just avoid contact with the water. For more information about the state's Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program, go to www.healthoregon.org/hab or call the state Public Health toll -free information line, 877 -290- 6767. Copyright © 2010 — The Register - Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA