Toxic Algae Alert: Willamette River Locations

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) expanded a recreational use health advisory today for the Willamette River to include Ross Island Bridge downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park.

While collecting samples today for laboratory testing, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality staff took photos that OHA staff subsequently confirmed to show a cyanobacteria bloom in the water. Results of testing will either confirm the advisory or allow OHA to lift it. Areas of the river affected by the advisory are in Multnomah County.

View Current and Past Toxic Algae Advisories

RISK TO CHILDREN AND PETS:

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and levels of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their wet fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

SWIMMING AND HIGH SPEED BOATING:

People and pets should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the river where blooms are, as the major risk of exposure is from ingesting water. These toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash.

SAFE ACTIVITIES:

People are encouraged to visit the river and enjoy recreational activities that wouldn't lead to potentially ingesting the affected water. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

HOW LONG WILL THE ADVISORY LAST?

There's no clear end to when the blooms will go away, and they could last for weeks to months. Blooms develop in rivers when the water becomes slack and warm, and may last until weather and rains cool the water levels to a point where the blooms can no longer propagate.

Learn more and see current advisory information on the Oregon Health Authority Website

ABOUT BLUE-GREEN ALGAE POISONING:

Blue-green algae toxin poisoning, also known as cyanobacterial poisoning, is an acute, sometimes fatal, condition caused by the ingestion of water containing high concentrations of cyanobacteria.

In Oregon, dogs have become very sick, and some have died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae.

Poisonings are most likely to occur during warm, sunny weather when algae blooms are more intense, and dense surface scums are present. If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water.

IF YOUR PET IS EXPOSED:

If your pet goes in the water:

• Don’t let your pet lick its fur. 
• Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible.

If your dog shows symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in bloom-affected water, seek immediate veterinary care. 

Acute, life-threatening symptoms from cyanobacterial toxins often develop rapidly. Death can occur within 4 to 24 hours after exposure.

If you believe you or your pet have been exposed to a cyanobacteria bloom, OHA staff are available to answer health related questions and to receive and document illness reports.

For more information, or to report potential exposure, pet owners are encouraged to visit healthoregon.org/hab, call toll free 1-877-290-6767, or e-mail Hab.health@state.or.us.