Toxic Algae Prompts Recreation Advisory for Odell Lake in Klamath County

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) placed a recreational use advisory on Odell Lake in Klamath County yesterday following the discovery of algae blooms.

The OHA advisory, issued about a month after a similar advisory for toxic algae spreads in the Upper Klamath Lake, arises from the presence of microcystin, a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, at levels exceeding recommended human exposure limits.

Lake visitors should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, as toxins in the water are often ingested during activities such as boating, skiing, and splashing around in the water. Other lake activities, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping, are safe as long as excessive water spray is avoided.

OHA recommended that dogs and children should be kept away from affected water, as both are at an increased risk of exposure. Dogs can become extremely ill and even die within hours of exposure.

Human exposure to cyanotoxins can result in a range of symptoms. For more information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482 or visit the OHA’s Cyanotoxin Resources for Drinking Water website.