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 related to active algal blooms when visiting certain areas within Lake Isabella.

Public Health recently obtained water samples from eight locations in Lake Isabella. The auxiliary dam boat launch area indicated the presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae (cyanotoxin), as it tested at the cautionary level which is the lowest of the three advisory levels. Caution health advisory signs have been posted that advise people to use caution when using the lake and stay away from algae and scum in this designated area.

Cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins, which have the potential to harm people, pets, wildlife or 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 will be updated regularly with test results and notification of any presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae in Lake Isabella.