Health advisory issued for Henrys Lake; avoid contact with harmful cyanobacterial algal blooms

HENRYS LAKE, Idaho (Idaho Department of Health and Wellness Press Release) – The Department of Health and Wellness’s Division of Public Health has issued a health advisory for Henrys Lake in Fremont County.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) tested samples collected along the shoreline of Lake Henrys and confirmed the presence of the cyanobacterium species Microcystis, dolichospermumand Aphanizomene. They can all produce dangerous toxins that can harm people, pets and livestock. People with liver or kidney damage are at increased risk of disease.

The division urges visitors to Lake Henrys to exercise caution when recreating in or near the water and to take the following precautions while the advisory is in effect:

• Avoid swimming, wading or other activities in the water.
• Take extra precautions to ensure that children, pets and livestock are not exposed to water.
• Clean the animal’s skin or coat with clean water as soon as possible after any contact with water.
• Do not drink or cook with water containing flower. Boiling and filtering water does not remove toxins and can increase the risk of adverse health effects.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with clean water after handling fish caught in blooming water.
• Clean and wash fish thoroughly in uncontaminated water and remove internal organs before consumption. If you choose to eat fish from this region, fillet the fish and remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking. Cyanotoxins can accumulate in fish and the risk to humans is still under investigation.

It will be announced when the public health advisory is lifted.

Symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure include skin rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and/or wheezing. More serious symptoms affecting the liver and nervous system may occur if the water is ingested. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare provider.

Pets, livestock and wildlife can become ill or even die minutes to days after exposure to cyanotoxin. Dogs are often the first affected because they are more likely to swim or drink contaminated water or lick contaminated water or bloom their fur. If your pets or livestock have been in water, wash them immediately with clean water to prevent them from licking the cyanobacteria from their bodies. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your pets or livestock appear sick after entering or drinking water.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water. Flowers can vary in appearance and may look like mats, moss, spilled paint or surface scum and have a foul odor. The Division works closely with the DEQ and public health districts to identify, respond to, and monitor harmful algal cyanobacterial blooms (HABS).

For more information on harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/ or the DHW website at https://www. gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories.