Cyanobacteria Toxins: What You Need to Know Before Swimming in Lake Isabella

Kern County Public Health is urging visitors to Lake Isabella to exercise caution and be on the lookout for signs of active algae blooms. Recent water samples from 17 locations in the lake revealed potentially harmful blue-green cyanotoxin algae in the Hanning Flat area at the cautionary level, which is the lowest of three advisory levels.

Public Health officials are reminding people that cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, animals, and wildlife. Children and dogs are at a higher risk of exposure due to their smaller body size. Symptoms of cyanobacteria toxins include eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.

To protect individuals from harmful algal blooms, health advisory signs have been posted around the lake warning people to be careful when using the water. In addition to cautionary signs, officials have released guidelines such as following posted advisories, staying away from algae and scum in the water, watching children and pets closely, avoiding letting pets or other animals go into the water or consume algae, and washing oneself, family members and pets with clean water after water activities. If fishing is planned it’s advised to dispose of fish guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.

For more information on how to stay safe when using Lake Isabella visit Kern Public Health’s website.