Health advisory issued for Little Camas Reservoir

Recent water samples taken from Little Camas Reservoir indicate the presence of Aphanizomenon, or blue-green algae, which can sicken humans and animals that drink or come into contact with water tainted with this algae.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Central District Health Department issued a health advisory Monday afternoon involving Little Camas Reservoir.

Located off Highway 20 northeast of Mountain Home, recent water samples taken from the reservoir indicate the presence of Aphanizomenon algae.

Commonly known as blue-green algae, it can produce dangerous toxins that are harmful to people, pets and livestock. Those with liver or kidney damage are at an increased risk of illness, health officials said.

The microscopic algae bacteria are naturally occurring and normally bloom in water with high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and often during warmer weather months. The blooms are generally green or blue-green in color and may form thick mats along shorelines. They may look like surface scum, resembling pea soup and can have an unpleasant odor.

Samples taken at the Little Camas Reservoir indicate bacteria levels that could make people and animals sick with health officials urging people to take precautions and avoid contact with the water. Boiling or filtering the water will not remove the blue-green algae toxins, they stressed.

Humans, pets and livestock shouldn't drink the reservoir water and should stay out of the reservoir, officials added. People should also avoid swimming, wading or other activities with full-body contact with the reservoir water.

Fish taken from the water should be cleaned and rinsed with clean water. People should only eat the fillet portion of these fish and throw out the rest.

Health officials urge pet owners to keep their animals from eating dried algae. If reservoir water contacts the pet's skin or fur, owners should wash it with clean potable water as soon as possible.

People and their pets should also avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Those exposed to water with high concentrations of blue-green algae may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, allergic responses, liver damage or neurotoxic reaction such as tingling fingers and toes. Symptoms in humans are rare, but anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention.