BFHD Closes Parts of Columbia River Shoreline After Discovery of Neurotoxin

(Kennewick, WA) --The Benton-Franklin Health District has ordered the Columbia River
shoreline from the boat launch at Howard Amon Park south to the confluence of the
Yakima River closed Thursday due to toxic levels of cyanobacteria in the lake. Test
results indicated elevated levels of the neurotoxin Anatoxin-a, which is especially
dangerous for small children and animals.

People and animals are exposed by ingesting the water. Symptoms appear within
15-20 minutes after ingestion depending upon the size of the person/animal affected
and the amount of toxins consumed. Exposure in animals may result in weakness,
staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and death. In people, signs may include
numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness. Exposure to
Anatoxin-a can be fatal.

Recreational use should be avoided until levels drop below recommended
guidelines. Visitors are cautioned to keep children and pets out of the water until
further testing shows the toxins reduced to safe levels. The health district will be
conducting weekly testing until levels are determined to be safe.

Toxins can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the liver, kidneys and other
organs. Exercise caution when considering eating fish caught in areas with a major
cyanobacteria bloom. Before eating, remove internal organs, which may contain
more of the toxin.