By ELEANOR BLACK
ROTORUA - A dangerous cyanobacteria bloom which can damage the nervous and respiratory systems has hit critical levels in Lake Rotoehu and effectively shut the picturesque spot.
Swimmers and people who live at the lake have been warned that cyanobacteria can also poison the liver and make breathing difficult for asthma sufferers.
Cyanobacteria are capable of producing neurotoxins which, in severe cases, can affect the higher functions of the brain. Symptoms are tingling around the mouth and numbness.
While there have been no reports of illness from the bloom, medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack said people should not drink water from the lake or use it for recreational purposes unless direct skin contact could be avoided.
The blooms were unpredictable and developed quickly in calm, warm weather, he warned.
Lake users should look out for water with discoloration or scum on the surface. Rotorua District Council put warning signs up at the lake late last week after routine sampling by Environment BOP identified the bug.
Dr Shoemack said levels had passed 15,000 cells a millilitre of water but could soar to one million cells a millilitre at the height of summer.
The Rotorua District Council regulatory services manager, Jim Nicklin, said all of Rotorua's lakes were nutrient-rich and prone to bloom problems.
Bug puts lake off limits
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