Health warning issued for Waihī Estuary at Pukehina

Potentially toxic algal mats in Waihī Estuary in Pukehina. Photo/Supplied

A health warning has been issued for Waihī Estuary at Pukehina because of a bloom of potentially toxic algae.

According to Toi Te Ora Public Health, the algae is forming mats in the shallow areas of the estuary and these may float free and spread through the estuary.

Contact with toxic algae can cause asthma, hayfever attacks and skin rashes.

If swallowed it may cause stomach upsets, headaches, tingling around the mouth, and in severe cases, muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet said the health warning meant people should avoid any activity involving contact with the water in Waihī Estuary.

"Algal mats may also accumulate along the shoreline of the estuary and around its mouth and so it's especially important that parents ensure that children avoid contact with these mats as they may be toxic.

"Shellfish accumulate the toxin and so it's advised that shellfish are not collected from anywhere in Waihī Estuary or the estuary mouth," he said.

Dogs are particularly at risk and should be kept away from the shoreline or areas where algal mats may accumulate. Elsewhere in New Zealand this type of algal bloom has resulted in deaths of dogs that have eaten algal mats or drunk affected water.

Up-to-date information on this health warning and others for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:

- Phone: 0800 221 555
- Website: www.toiteora.govt.nz/health_warnings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/toiteora
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/toiteora
- Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/alert