KDRV Staff
 
June 4, 2010
 
NEAR MEDFORD, Ore. - A public health advisory was issued Friday because of a toxic algae bloom in Lost Creek Lake.
 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that sample results showed algae levels 40 times higher than the state's safety threshold. USACE says the lake is not closed to the public, but users need to be extra cautious.
 
The bloom was located 30 miles northeast of Medford on the Rogue River. The blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided.
 
Last year a dog died from ingesting the algae.
 
"The real concern would be children and pets. We normally see the greatest concentration of algae next to the shore, that is where children like to wade, and also where pets may come up to the water and drink some of the water," said Jim Buck with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
 
If you come in contact with the algae, health officials advise washing off with clean water immediately after contact.
 
The advisory was issued by the Oregon Public Health Division and Jackson County Health Department.