Battle Ground Lake under health advisory for cyanobacteria

Battle Ground Lake was placed under a health advisory today due to a bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

Battle Ground Lake State Park remains open, and water in park restrooms and shelters isn’t affected and is safe to drink.

Clark County Public Health has posted caution signs at Battle Ground Lake, and will collect water samples to determine if toxins are in the water. Results should be available later this week, according to a Public Health news release.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with lake water that has floating blue-green scum. Cyanobacteria can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water, according to the news release.

Public Health recommends no swimming or water skiing in areas of scum, no drinking lake water, no water contact for animals in areas of scum and avoiding areas of scum when boating. You should also clean fish well and discard organs.

Inhaled bacteria or toxins from blue-green algae can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation, according to Public Health.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.