Health warning issued for Okawa Bay on Lake Rotoiti
27 February 2014
A health warning has been issued for Okawa Bay on Lake Rotoiti as Bay of Plenty Regional Council routine monitoring results have detected potentially toxic blooms of blue-green algae.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet says blue-green algae are present in Okawa Bay at levels that could result in adverse health effects and so it is advisable for people to avoid contact with the water.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Signage is being erected at Okawa Bay advising potential lake users about the algal bloom and monitoring will continue. The public can obtain up-to-date information on health warnings online at www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings or on 0800 221 555.