PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Public Health Division says dangerous levels of blue-green algae have been detected in lakes in opposite corners of the state. Health officials warned Thursday about algae at Willow Creek Reservoir near Heppner in northeast Oregon and Diamond Lake north of Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon.
Department spokeswoman Christine Stone says visitors should avoid swallowing or inhaling water droplets. Both people and animals should avoid skin contact with the water.
Earlier algae-bloom alerts at Willow Lake in Jackson County and Lemolo Lake in east Douglas County are still in effect.
Touching the algae can cause numbness, tingling, dizziness, breathing or heart problems, skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting.
