Oregon Public Broadcasting

A toxic algae warning has just been lifted for Lemolo Lake, in the Cascades, east of Roseburg. A state health warning had been in effect since July 1st.

Thomas Kriese / ---------

Lemolo Lake

Toxic algae blooms can cause a range of health problems in people and pets. The symptoms can be mild or severe.

Depending on the type of algae toxin, it can affect the nervous system, the liver, intestinal system or the skin. Last summer, a dog was determined to have died from toxic algae poisoning from lake water.  

Jennifer Ketterman is the program coordinator with the state health department's Harmful Algae Bloom program. I asked her how often pets die that way.

Ketterman also mentioned that if you have symptoms that send you to a doctor, it's a good idea to mention you had contact with lake water.

Algae toxins can cause a wide range of symptoms, from skin irritation to sore throat to diarrhea. 

On the Web:

Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance

Toll-free information line: 877-290-6767