The detection of a toxic algal has resulted in officials from the Health Department urging people to stay away from Lake Forsyth located on Banks Peninsula. The lake is also known as Lake Wairewa.

It needs to be noted that exposure to the toxic algal, anabena, can result in a person suffering from cramps in the stomach, nausea, skin rashes and numbness. Though not lethal for human beings, the toxin is known to be especially harmful for dogs.

The Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Alistair Humphrey, has informed that people should not drink water from the lake as it is very toxic. It has also been informed that boiling of water will not help in getting rid of the toxins.

Apart from that, any fish or shellfish consumption has also been warned. However, people still wanting to consume the fish should first remove the gut and liver and clean the fish in clean water. People need not be worried about water supplies though, as community water supply has not been affected by the contamination, informed Dr. Humphrey.

Previously, another algal bloom had been detected in the month of December. People have been asked not to venture into the waters until and unless the health warnings have been removed.