Toxic algae bloom reported in Lake Lawrence

Lab results from Lake Lawrence last week showed elevated microcystin toxin levels, which prompted a toxic algae health advisory.

The results showed toxin levels at 16.5 micrograms per litter, which is above the state of Washington recreation guideline of 8.0 micrograms per liter.

"Microcystins are a liver toxin and a possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water," said the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department in an advisory issued on June 18.

"Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines. Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present." 

To avoid health risks posed by potential toxins, the following precautions are recommended by the county health department:

• Do not drink the lake water.
• Avoid contact with water containing algae.
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing and waterskiing in water bodies where algae blooms are present.
• Keep pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present.
• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.
• Avoid areas of scum when boating. 

"Our department also advises members of the community that the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Ward Lake. A report was received from an individual, who swam at Ward Lake and appears to have swimmer’s itch. Additionally, swimmers at any freshwater lake need to be aware that this parasite may be present, and there are ways to avoid being infected by it," said the health department in the advisory.

"Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin, causing an allergic reaction and rash." 

The health department added, "Swimmer’s itch generally resolves on its own without lasting health effects, although it can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin.

"Individuals are advised to avoid scratching the affected area, as this may lead to secondary infection. In cases of severe itching, a health care provider may recommend prescription-strength creams or lotions to alleviate symptoms."

The following steps are recommended by the health department to reduce the likelihood of getting swimmer’s itch: 

• Choose not to swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Choose not to swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Apply waterproof sunscreen to your body before entering the water to both protect you from the sun and reduce the ability of the parasite to attach to the skin.
• Do not attract birds (for example, by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.  
• For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County algae alerts, click here.