Wednesday, 23 December 2020, 3:45 pm
Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has
issued a health warning for Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at
Chamberlains Ford
The warning follows finding moderate
to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic
cyanobacteria) in the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at
Chamberlains Ford
People should avoid the area and
animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the
water until the health warning has been lifted.
There
are also other access points along the Waikirikiri/Selwyn
River at Chamberlains Ford that may have benthic
cyanobacteria present. People are advised to treat every
low-flowing river cautiously, check for the presence of
Health warning: Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at Chamberlains Ford - CDHB voxy.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from voxy.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. “If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.” Pets showing signs of illness after coming into contact with the algae should be taken to a vet immediately, she said. There were other access points along the Waiau River where the algae could be present, and Brunton said people should treat every low-flowing river with caution. In late November, a toxic algae warning was also put in place for Canterbury’s Pegasus Lake for the sixth summer in a row.