The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory for Cullaby Lake in Clatsop County due to cyanotoxins exceeding safe levels for recreation.
Cyanotoxins pose a health risk primarily through ingestion or inhalation, not through skin contact, though people with skin sensitivities may experience rashes. The health authority recommends avoiding swimming and water activities with high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas where visible blooms are present. Safe activities include camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and boating that does not involve water contact.
Drinking water directly from affected areas is especially dangerous. Cyanotoxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering, or standard camping-style water filters. People who draw in-home water directly from the lake should use an alternative source for drinking and cooking.
Exposure symptoms in people can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Children and pets are at higher risk. Dogs can experience severe illness or death within minutes to hours of exposure.