Public Health cautions residents of potentially harmful algal blooms in Lake Isabella

The Kern County Public Health Services Department is urging boaters, dog owners and other recreational lake users to exercise caution and observe signage warning visitors to avoid active algal blooms when visiting Lake Isabella.

Public Health recently obtained water samples from nine locations in Lake Isabella. Four of those locations indicated the presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae (cyanotoxin). Camp Nine South, French Gulch Campground E and Old Isabella Road are at the cautionary level, which is the lowest of the three advisory levels. Caution signs are posted advising people using the lake to use caution and stay away from algae and scum in these designated areas. Paradise Cove is at the warning level, the next highest level, and a sign has been posted advising people to avoid swimming in this area.

Cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins, which have the potential to harm people, pets, wildlife and livestock. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size, increased potential to ingest water and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods. Exposure to cyanobacteria and associated toxins can cause eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms. If you or your pet come into contact with algae and are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical treatment immediately.

For more information, visit our interactive website http://www.kernpublichealth.com/cyanobacteria-blooms-blue-green-algae/.

As Public Health continues to monitor and test Lake Isabella, this website is updated regularly with test results and notification of the presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae.