RSOE EDIS: Australia - Biological Hazard - 2010.01.21

RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service Budapest, Hungary RSOE EDIS ALERTMAIL

2010-01-21 06:13:15 - Biological Hazard - Australia EDIS CODE: BH-20100121-24642-AUS Date & Time: 2010-01-21 06:13:15 [UTC] Area: Australia, State of Victoria, , Geelong Not confirmed information! Description: Geelong’s council has warned resident to stay away from waterways amid outbreaks of toxic algae. Council warned that contact with the bacteria could cause skin rashes, vomiting, diahorrea, mouth ulcers, sore throats, eye and ear infections and asthma symptoms. Council urged anyone who suffered a reaction after coming in contact with affected water to “seek medical help”. Skin should be washed after accidental contact with the freshwater algae, council said. Council listed the worst outbreaks of blue-green algae at McLeods Waterholes, next to Drysdale Reserve and Cowie’s Creek, Norlane. Fish caught in the waterways would be unfit for consumption, council warned. Council’s environment and sustainability portfolio-holder, John Doull, said blue-green algae were present in a range of creeks, rivers, lakes and wetlands. The algae could increase rapidly amid warmer temperatures and develop a “paint-like” consistency as it dried out on the water’s edge, Cr Duoll said. “Blue-green algae rely on sunlight for energy, with their growth rate determined by the level of nutrients available in the water.” Cr Duoll said small, individual cells of algae could be present in water without being visible to the naked eye. Animals could be at the greatest risk from contact with the algae, he said. “Animals drinking affected water can ingest large quantities of blue-green algae and, if those blue-green algae happen to be producing toxins, the animals can become very ill and can even die. “Symptoms of blue-green algal toxin poisoning may range from lethargy and loss of appetite to seizures, vomiting and convulsions.” Cr Duoll said dogs could also be susceptible to algal poisoning while licking their coats after coming in contact with affected water. Chemicals were available to fight algal blooms but council refused to use the substances because they had “significant implications” for the environment, he said. The name of Hazard: Toxic Algae Bloom Posted:2010-01-21 06:13:15 [UTC] Please DO NOT reply to this message: replies may be treated as errors and result in your subscription being deleted. If you have trouble or other queries, send email to havaria@rsoe.hu RSOE EDIS is operated by the National Association of Radio-Distress Signalling and Infocommunications (RSOE), Budapest, Hungary. Because of the complexity of this system and its dependence on other systems, we cannot be responsible for delays or failures in forwarding or transmission. You're receiving this AlertMail because you subscribed for the service. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Contact: havaria@rsoe.hu