Category: health warning

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Extreme risk health warning for Lake Ngā Roto

Source: Waikato District Health Board

PUBLIC HEALTH STRONGLY ADVISES NOT TO USE THE LAKE FOR ANY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The Public Health warning issued on 4th December 2024 for Lake Ngā Roto, has now been escalated to extreme risk.

Waikato Medical Officer of Health Dr Liz Becker says repeat testing this week has confirmed that there has been a highly significant rise in cyanobacterial levels. As a result, the alert remains in place. Recent test results returned a 1,203 mm3/L, far higher than the Guideline Value of 1.8 mm3/L.

“The cyanobacteria currently in the lake may produce toxins which are extremely harmful and may cause serious illnesses,” Dr Becker says.

It is strongly advised not to undertake any recreational use of the lake where there could be skin contact or swallowing of lake water. Avoid all recreation on the lake including kayaking, fishing, boating and swimming.

“Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria and its related toxins,“ she says.

If you have used Lake Ngā Roto recently and have any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention such as contacting your GP:

  • a rash
  • skin and eye irritation
  • allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma
  • or possibly stomach upsets including diarrhoea and vomiting

Please note, these symptoms may not appear immediately after contact with the affected water.

If you have any health problems that have developed after exposure to any of the lakes with health warnings, please ring National Public Health Service – Waikato on (07) 838 2569.

For media enquiries please contact Health NZ Media on hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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Meremere Wildfire, North Waikato

Source: Waikato District Health Board

The large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands is now under control. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the fire may take some time to fully extinguish due to where it is burning in peat and wetland.

Although under control, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora says there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly – may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.

Dr Richard Wall, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service says exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.

“People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise”.

Dr Wall said residents on a roof water tank supply were advised to disconnect the pipe to their tank if a lot of ash and debris was falling to avoid water becoming contaminated.

“Only reconnect the water supply after the next heavy rain (discarding the ‘first flush’), to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.”

The experience of being exposed to an event like a fire can be distressing and it’s normal to feel anxious in situations like this. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 any time and you can speak to (or text) a trained counsellor free of charge or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside if it is safe to do so.

Remember to:

  • Keep your windows and doors shut
  • Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’
  • Air out your house when the smoke clears
  • Look out for children, older people, and others at risk
  • Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
  • Roof water supply: Disconnect the pipe to your tank if there is ash and debris on your roof, and only reconnect after the next heavy rain to avoid getting ash in your drinking water.

For information about the fire visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website

Media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Arapuni

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Arapuni, and remains in place for Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare, Rotokauri, Whangape and Kainui.

The Public Health warning issued on 23rd January 2024 for Lake Arapuni has now been lifted, after subsequent tests showed that cyanobacterial levels are below the warning level. Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare, Rotokauri, Whangape and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Dr Richard Wall, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Wall.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” he said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Health NZ would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Phone: 07 838 2569.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning issued for Lake Rotokauri and Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning issued for Lake Rotokauri and Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) and remains in place for Lakes Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui.

A new health warning has been issued today for Lakes Rotokauri and Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) due to a rise in cyanobacteria biovolume to 1.85 mm3/L at Lake Rotokauri and 3.6 mm3/L at Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake). Biovolume is the measure used to decide when a health warning should be issued, with the cut-off value for a health warning set at 1.8mm3/L.

Lakes Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Richard Wall, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Wall.

“If people still choose to use the lakes when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” he said.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Phone Waikato Public Health Service: 07 838 2569.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial health warnings  is available by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) and remains in place for Lake Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui.

The Public Health warning issued on 5 October 2023 for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) has now been lifted, after subsequent tests showed that cyanobacterial levels to be once again below the warning level. Lakes Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Felicity Dumble, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Dumble.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” she said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Whangape

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Whangape and remains in place for Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui.

The Public Health warning issued on 7 July 2021 for Lake Whangape has now been lifted, after subsequent tests showed that cyanobacterial levels to be once again below the warning level. Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Felicity Dumble, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Dumble.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” she said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Phone Waikato Public Health Service: 07 838 2569.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning issued again for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) and remains in place for Lakes Hakanoa, Whangape, Waikare and Kainui

Source: Waikato District Health Board

A health warning has as of today been placed on Lake Rotoroa. An earlier health warning had only been lifted recently on Thursday 28 September 2023. However, a highly unusual incidence of cyanobacterial species growth has occurred over the past few days, causing increased levels in more recent laboratory testing. The warning signs at the lake will continue to show the ‘Alert’ warning until two consecutive samples show that the risk has decreased.

Lakes Hakanoa, Whangape, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Cyanobacteria levels are regularly monitored at Lakes Rotoroa, Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Richard Vipond, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any recreational activity that involves contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Vipond.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” he said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes.

Phone Waikato Public Health Service: 07 838 2569