A health warning has been issued for Lake Okaro after confirmation of potentially toxic blue-green algae bloom in the lake.
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service said in a press statement today that Bay of Plenty Regional Council provided routine monitoring results from the small lake about 27km south of Rotorua.
"The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the lake water," said Toi Te Ora Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
