troutdude
Moderator
From KMTR TV: PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority officials are asking people to stay out of the water because of a blue-green algae bloom in the Ross Island Lagoon.
Experts say testing is still needed to confirm whether the algae bloom is toxic, but because of what they are seeing already on the surface, they say the all-out health advisory was necessary.
Right now, the advisory is isolated to the Ross Island Lagoon and its mouth, but there is concern of it spreading. Officials say the bloom can move to other spots along the Willamette River as the lagoon rises and recedes, meaning nearby spots like Poet's Beach along Portland's Southwest Waterfront could, potentially, be cause for concern.
Experts suggest avoiding water that is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red.
According to OHA and Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, pets are at more of a risk to exposure because of their size.
"They both drink them. He drinks the water. She drinks the water. If they're in there, it's just going to happen," said Meagen Kincaid, referring to her two small dogs while enjoying the sounds of the river at Poet Beach.
"I mean, we hadn't even had thought about it, but it's kind of scary to not have even had any clue -- especially coming from out of town," Coreen Kiefer, visiting from Seattle with her children and 9-week-old dog, Alice, told KATU News.
Veterinarians say symptoms of toxic algae exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, staggering, convulsions and pale gums. If pets show any of these symptoms, owners should seek veterinary care. Human symptoms are similar.
Health officials say they should have the results of the toxicity test by the middle of next week. Then they will be able to determine whether the health advisory can be lifted.
Experts say testing is still needed to confirm whether the algae bloom is toxic, but because of what they are seeing already on the surface, they say the all-out health advisory was necessary.
Right now, the advisory is isolated to the Ross Island Lagoon and its mouth, but there is concern of it spreading. Officials say the bloom can move to other spots along the Willamette River as the lagoon rises and recedes, meaning nearby spots like Poet's Beach along Portland's Southwest Waterfront could, potentially, be cause for concern.
Experts suggest avoiding water that is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red.
According to OHA and Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, pets are at more of a risk to exposure because of their size.
"They both drink them. He drinks the water. She drinks the water. If they're in there, it's just going to happen," said Meagen Kincaid, referring to her two small dogs while enjoying the sounds of the river at Poet Beach.
"I mean, we hadn't even had thought about it, but it's kind of scary to not have even had any clue -- especially coming from out of town," Coreen Kiefer, visiting from Seattle with her children and 9-week-old dog, Alice, told KATU News.
Veterinarians say symptoms of toxic algae exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, staggering, convulsions and pale gums. If pets show any of these symptoms, owners should seek veterinary care. Human symptoms are similar.
Health officials say they should have the results of the toxicity test by the middle of next week. Then they will be able to determine whether the health advisory can be lifted.
