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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... Toxin warning extended downstream on Klamath River Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 6, 2015 at 2:01 PM Posted Aug. 6, 2015 at 2:01 PM » Social News Herald and News A health advisory issued July 28 for Upper Klamath and Agency lakes is being extended down the Klamath River to the California state line, according to a news release. The advisory, issued by the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, now includes Upper Klamath and Agency lakes, the Link River downstream to Lake Ewauna, and the Klamath River downstream to the California border, including the Keno area and J.C. Boyle Reservoir, according to the release. The original advisory was issued after monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation and PacifiCorp confirmed the presence of blue-green algae toxins in the water bodies. These toxins, called cyanotoxins, are present at concentrations in the water that can be harmful to humans and animals. An additional samples collected from J.C. Boyle Reservoir also contained toxins at levels that could be harmful to human health, the release said. According to the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program website, all access points on Copco Reservoir were posted with algae health advisories on June 30. Clayton Creager, a watershed stewardship coordinator for the Northern California Regional Water Quality Control Board, said the advisory extends to the Interstate 5 bridge that crosses the Klamath River. A combination of algal scums present in the Klamath River from Roy Rook to the estuary, near Klamath, Calif., spurred water quality monitors to post warnings as a precautionary measure for protecting against exposure to blue-green algae. Poor water quality has already been observed by federal, state and tribal officials monitoring fish runs in the Klamath River. Low flows and higher water temperatures have brought on an early onset of the lethal parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, known as Ich (pronounced “ick”). Ich is capable of causing large fish-kills, and was the primary pathogen in the 2002 Klamath River die-off that killed more than 35,000 adult chinook salmon and steelhead. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Spokesman Matt Baun, as river conditions continue deteriorating, high concentrations of organic matter, such as algae, flowing downstream could reduce dissolved oxygen and further endanger already stressed fish populations. “It’s definitely something to keep an eye on,” Baun said. If river conditions turn toxic, wildlife officials surveying fish in the river may also have to scale back monitoring to avoid coming in contact with the algae. Health warnings advise the public to avoid swallowing or inhaling water where blue-green algae is present. Drinking water directly from areas under advisory is especially dangerous. Skin contact with the algae can also cause rashes in individuals with sensitive skin, the release said. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other recreational visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters. People who draw in-home water directly from areas under advisory are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective at removing algae toxins. Oregon health officials recommend people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems, and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. To find out if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit www.healthoregon.org/hab and select “algae bloom advisories,” or call the Public Health Division toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767. For health information or to report an illness, contact Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0400. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 6, 2015 at 2:01 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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