Idaho Health Officials Issue Warning on Algae

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — The Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a health advisory after finding evidence of algae that can produce toxins in Fernan Lake in northern Idaho.

The Coeur d'Alene Press reports that officials issued the advisory on Friday cautioning residents about contact with lake water after finding the blue-green algae species in the lake for the second time this year. The agencies say the algae can produce a toxin that can lead to muscle spasms, labored breathing, convulsions and death.

Authorities say the algae blooms are caused by pollution from human activities. Kristin Larson of the Idaho DEQ says officials are working with residents and landowners to improve water quality and reduce future algae blooms in the lake.