Toxic blue-green algae found in Russian River

Sonoma County public health officials issued warnings Friday for recreational users of the Russian River after discovering the first-ever samples of blue-green algae.

The rare blooms, usually found in still water, are known to cause nausea and vomiting if swallowed and pose the greatest risk to children and pets.

Officials placed no restrictions on swimming or fishing but posted signs urging precautions, such as not drinking or cooking with it and avoiding clumps found closest to the shore.

Karen Milman, the county’s public health officer, advised keeping kids and dogs away because of the likelihood they will play in it and ingest it.

“In general, I would say avoid both eating and touching it,” Milman said. “Kids put their hands in their mouths and dogs will lick themselves and eat things.”

She said recent high temperatures coupled with the lingering drought have created ideal conditions for the rare algae. It was spotted over the past week and confirmed through testing by the county’s Department of Health Services and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

“We haven’t detected a high level but wanted people to be aware it’s possible this algae could grow and cause problems,” Milman said.

She said it was unknown how long it will remain in the river. It could stick around until cooler weather arrives, she said.

Blue-green algae mixes with other, harmless green algae and tends to collect in mats or scums near the water’s edge, she said.

Toxins in some strains can cause a variety of symptoms including contact irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Also, the algae can lead to muscle tremors, seizures and difficulty breathing.

Public health officials advised washing thoroughly after entering the river. Consume fish only after removing guts and rinsing. Seek medical attention if there’s a reaction.

Although blue-green algae is usually found in lakes and ponds, it has also been known to infest rivers, including the Klamath and Eel. A few years ago, it appeared in Santa Rosa’s Spring Lake.

“It has not happened in the Russian River before,” Milman said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.