Public advised to avoid all contact with lake due to health risks.



KPHD - small [ www.kitsappublichealth.org ]  
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cyanobacteria warning

Aug. 16, 2022

*KITSAP COUNTY, WA*

Warning issued for Long Lake due to potentially toxic cyanobacteria

"Public advised to avoid all contact with lake water due to health risks for people and animals."
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Today the Kitsap Public Health District issued a cyanobacteria warning for Long Lake in South Kitsap. The public should to avoid all contact with water in Long Lake due to the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.  

There are many different types of cyanobacteria and not all blooms are toxic. The cyanobacteria present in Long Lake are known to produce toxins.

*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 blooms 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* eating fish caught during the algae bloom.
* *Rinse* boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake. 

No illnesses have been reported to Kitsap Public Health at this time. Advisory signs will be posted at public access areas around the lake. The Health District will continue to monitor for cyanobacteria and announce updates as conditions change. 

KEEP UP TO DATE

Lake visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive [ [link removed] ] swimming beach advisories via email or text, and follow Kitsap Public Health District on Facebook [ [link removed] ], Twitter  [ [link removed] ]and Instagram [ [link removed] ] for updates.

REPORT HEALTH CONCERNS

Residents who live near lakes or people visiting the lake are encouraged to look for cyanobacteria blooms and contact [ [link removed] ] Kitsap Public Health District 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. 
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*RESOURCES: *

* Frequently asked questions about cyanobacteria [ [link removed] ]
* Video: What are cyanobacteria? [ [link removed] ]
* Kitsap Public Health District water contact advisories [ [link removed] ]
* Recreational water illnesses information [ [link removed] ]
* Sign up for electronic notifications about water-contact advisories [ [link removed] ]
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*MEDIA CONTACT: *[email protected]

 

KPHD PHAB [ www.kitsappublichealth.org ]


The Kitsap County Joint Information Center, as part of the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center (KCEOC), provides accurate and up-to-date information about the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization's goal is to reduce the impacts of the pandemic in Kitsap and to safeguard the local healthcare system, government infrastructure, and economy, as well as to prepare for recovery.

The KCEOC operates under the leadership of a unified command, composed of representatives of Kitsap Public Health District, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, and Kitsap County Department of Human Services.

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KC logo * * *Kitsap County*
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