Toxic algae alert issued for Russian River
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Toxic algae alert issued for Russian River
Sonoma County public health officials are urging caution while swimming in or being near the Russian River after tests this week revealed the presence of toxic algae.
Officials said the tests showed low-level concentrations of blue-green algae, which can cause a range of health problems if ingested.
Children and pets are particularly vulnerable because of their proclivity for putting things into their mouths. Algae toxicity was blamed for three dog deaths in Sonoma and Mendocino counties last year.
Health officials are putting up signs at all 10 public beaches along the Russian River warning of the algae. There are no restrictions at this time on the public being in and around the river, but officials are urging people to keep close tabs on their children and pets.
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Re: Toxic algae alert issued for Russian River
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No toxic algae in Russian River, latest tests show
DEREK MOORE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT | August 11, 2016
Test results released Thursday found no detectable amounts of harmful toxins produced by blue-green algae in the Russian River, Sonoma County public health officials said.
Despite the findings, officials are still urging caution along the river. Signs at 10 public beaches warning of exposure to potentially toxic-laden algae will remain in place for at least another week.
Tests of river water collected Aug. 1 revealed trace amounts of Anatoxin-a at four public beaches - Steelhead, Forestville Access, Monte Rio and Patterson Point.
The naturally occurring toxin attacks the central nervous system of mammals. Ingesting it can cause a variety of symptoms, including irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle tremors, seizures and difficulty breathing.
A golden retriever dog died last summer after ingesting infected algae along the Russian River. Dogs and children are particularly vulnerable because of their habits in the water, including ingesting it.
No toxin-related health problems have been reported this year.
A spokesman for the county’s public health department said warning signs will remain in place until two subsequent weeks of testing show no signs of algae toxins in the water.
Officials are urging precautions in the meantime, including not ingesting river water or using it for cooking, keeping pets and children away from algae and showering with fresh water after getting out of the river.
