PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The arrival of Memorial Day also brings the annual holiday reminder from state health officials about toxic algae blooms in Oregon lakes and reservoirs.
Officials advise taking precautions around an algae bloom, such as avoiding skin contact or swallowing any algae-contaminated water, or even inhaling water droplets.
Last year, the state issued 21 health advisories due to cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, because of the potential for exposure to toxins.
It was a 50 percent increase from 2008, when 14 advisories for harmful algae blooms were issued.
Also in 2009, Oregon recorded its first confirmed dog death due to algae toxins in water near the confluence of Elk Creek and the Umpqua River in Douglas County.
