Central Goldfields Shire Council is informing users of Lake Victoria that a blue-green algae (BGA) bloom is currently affecting the water quality of the lake.
The public is warned not to swim in and to avoid any direct contact with blue-green algae affected water.
Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose, or if swallowed gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.
People who come in contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with BGA affected water.
Any fish harvested from BGA affected water should have gills and guts removed prior to cooking. People should not eat whole fish, or shellfish or crustaceans collected from Lake Victoria. The type of algae affecting Lake Victoria produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish. Ingesting BGA toxins can lead to serious illness.
Water from the affected water body should not be used for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use.
For any health issues experienced after contact with BGA affected water, please seek medical advice immediately.
Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water.
Visitors to the area are advised that they can still enjoy other recreational activities such as walking and sightseeing around the water body.
