Additional Links:
Harmful Algal Bloom Physicians Reference
Harmful Algal Bloom - Ohio EPA
Harmful Algal Bloom - Ohio Dept. Health
Frequently Asked Questions
ODH HAB Human Illness Reporting Form
ODH HAB Animal Illness Reporting Form
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM UPDATE FOR LAKE ERIE RECREATIONAL WATERS IN LAKE COUNTY, OHIO
The Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) continues to monitor the Lake Erie shoreline within Lake County for the presence of harmful algal blooms.
On Monday July 2, 2012, blue-green algae was found on Lake Erie extending from the shoreline north into the lake for over one mile, across the entire county, and possibly beyond. Laboratory testing from samples collected on Monday (July 2, 2012) and Tuesday (July 3, 2012) confirmed the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The HAB is a large growth of naturally-occurring bacteria that can produce toxins (poisons) that may be harmful to people and pets. Additional testing on Friday July 6, 2012 showed that Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach does not have a HAB; Additional testing on July 13, 2012 showed that the Lakefront Lodge Beach Park in Willowick no longer has a HAB.
Even though the most recent samples indicated that toxin levels at Lake County area beaches were below the established threshold; a HAB may be transported by wind or current, and recreational water users are encouraged to maintain a level of awareness for the duration of the swimming season. Toxin level thresholds protective of human exposures are outlined in Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy for Recreational Waters developed by the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Lake County Sample Results
|
Sample Location
|
SampleDate
|
Sample Result(parts per billion)
|
Toxin
Detected
|
Recreational Public Health Advisory Standard
|
Above/Below
Standard?
|
|
Lakefront Lodge Beach-Willowick
|
7/2/2012
|
6.54 ppb
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Above
|
|
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach
|
7/2/2012
|
1.03 ppb
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Below
|
|
Mentor Headlands State Park Beach
|
7/3/2012
|
0.07 ppb
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Below
|
|
Lakefront Lodge Beach-Willowick
|
7/6/2012
|
0.23 ppb
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Below
|
|
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach
|
7/6/2012
|
Not Detected
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Below
|
|
Lakefront Lodge Beach-Willowick
|
7/13/2012
|
<0.10 (ug/L) detection limit
|
Microcystin
|
6 ppb
|
Below
|
Visitors to the beach and their pets should be aware of the risk of contact with water where a HAB was found. Boaters and jet skiers are cautioned also that water spray contact on skin or breathing/inhaling water droplets may cause health problems. Toxins may cause a skin rash, blisters, or hives. Vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling, numbness, sore throat or headaches are some symptoms of illness. In severe cases, liver or kidney damage may occur.
If you or your pets are accidentally exposed to waters where HAB may have been found, you should completely rinse off after coming out of the water. Avoid accidental ingestion or drinking of any surface water at the beach. Contact a physician or veterinarian if you or your pets become ill after contact with or ingesting water and report the illness to the Health District on forms found at www.lcghd.org.
The toxin may still be present even if the bloom cannot be seen. The LCGHD will continue to monitor this situation and address the public as warranted. The Lake County General Health District will continue to sample Fairport beach and other lake access points in Lake County and post the results on our web site. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will conduct any necessary follow up samples from Mentor Headlands State Park Beach.
The most up-to-date information can be found at the LCGHD website at www.lcghd.org. Additional information, including specific veterinary and medical fact sheets may be found at www.ohioalgaeinfo.com