Health advisory issued after toxic algae is found in Fremont County

Eastern Idaho Public Health has issued a health advisory for Henrys Lake and upper Island Park Reservoir after the water there tested positive for three toxic varieties of algae.

Water samples confirmed the presence of the blue-green algae species Microsystis, Anabaena, and Aphanizomenon—species with the potential to produce dangerous toxins. Precaution is advised if you will be near these bodies of water. Eastern Idaho Public Health while issue an update when the water is free of the algae again.

Blue-green algae are microscopic bacteria that occur naturally in healthy water bodies. Under the right conditions the physical appearance of blue-green algae blooms can be unsightly, often causing thick green mats along shorelines. They might also cause an unpleasant odor or stench. They occur in water conditions that are common during the warmer summer months.

People recreating near Henrys Lake and Upper Island Park Reservoir are advised to avoid swallowing or inhaling water and to avoid direct contact with water containing visible algae. Drinking water from the lake is especially dangerous. The toxins cannot be removed by boiling or filtering the water. If people choose to eat fish from this area, they should remove all fat, skin, and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues.

Children and pets are particularly susceptible to the effects of blue-green algae. People exposed to blue-green algae might experience skin and eye irritation, nausea, diarrhea, numbness of hands and feet, and/or difficulty breathing. If symptoms occur, call your doctor. For animals, symptoms might include muscle spasms, decreased movement, labored breathing, convulsion, and death. If pets are experiencing these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately