Blue-Green Cyanotoxins in Lake Isabella: A Health Advisory for Recreational Activities and Fishermen

Kern Public Health is issuing a health advisory for individuals who visit Lake Isabella for recreational activities. Recent water samples from 17 locations in the lake have shown potentially harmful blue-green cyanotoxin algae in the Hanning Flat area at the cautionary level. These cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can harm people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Children and dogs are especially vulnerable to these toxins due to their smaller body size. Some signs of cyanobacteria toxins include eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms. To protect yourself from harmful algal blooms, officials advise following advisories, staying away from algae and scum in the water and on shore, watching children and pets closely, and avoiding letting them go into the water or consume algae accumulations.

For fishermen, it is advised to throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking to avoid potential exposure. For more information about harmful algal blooms in Lake Isabella, individuals can visit Kern Public Health’s website.