As per reported information, the Canterbury District Health Board has claimed that the toxic blue-green algae, dubbed planktonic cyanobacteria, have been found in Lake Forsyth-Te Wairewa.

As a result, health officials and regional authorities are advising people to maintain distance from the water till the time health warnings are called off.

In this regard, Alistair Humphrey, the Medical Officer of Health has claimed that the algal bloom can lead to the production of dangerous toxins which can prove harmful for humans and animals, especially the toxic algae are severely dodgy for dogs.

Dr. Humphrey claimed that humans coming in contact with algae may encounter skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, numbness and tingling around the fingertips and mouth. In addition, he further claimed that no one should drink the lake water at any time, no matter if it is boiled or not as boiling does not expel the harmful toxin.

As per experts, shellfish and fish can contemplate toxins and hence it is highly imperative that one should be avoiding their intake. Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health division has recently released a word of caution following the episode wherein toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) were spotted in Lake Forsyth/ Te Wairewa.

It is being advised that people should avoid coming in contact with water at this said location till the time health warnings are called off. While sharing a word of caution regarding the prospective threat on offer, Dr. Humphrey claimed: “Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms after contact with contaminated water, visit your doctor immediately”.