Thurston County issues health advisories for Lake Lawrence and Ward Lake

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (PHSS) is reporting a toxic algae bloom in Lake Lawrence and the possible presence of a parasite that causes swimmer’s itch in Ward Lake. 

The public is advised to take precautions around bodies of water until the conditions resolve. 

Lab results taken from Lake Lawrence on June 15 detected microcystin toxin levels at 16.5 µg/L, which is above the state recreation guideline of 8.0 µg/L, according to PHSS. 

Microcystins are a liver toxin and a possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water. 

Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines. 

Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present, according to PHSS. 

When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking extra precautions to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins: 

• Do not drink the lake water.
• Avoid contact with water containing algae.
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing, and water-skiing in waterbodies where algae blooms are present.
• Keep pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present.
• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.
• Avoid areas of scum when boating. 

 PHSS also advises members of the community that the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Ward Lake. 

“A report was received from an individual who swam at Ward Lake and appears to have swimmer’s itch. Additionally, swimmers at any freshwater lake need to be aware that this parasite may be present, and there are ways to avoid being infected by it,” PHSS said in a news release. 

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. 

These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water, such as lakes, ponds, and oceans. If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin, causing an allergic reaction and rash.

Swimmer’s itch generally resolves on its own without lasting health effects, although it can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Individuals are advised to avoid scratching the affected area, as this may lead to secondary infection. In cases of severe itching, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription-strength creams or lotions to alleviate symptoms.

Follow these steps to reduce your likelihood of getting swimmer’s itch:

• Choose not to swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Choose not to swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Apply waterproof sunscreen to your body before entering the water to both protect you from the sun and reduce the ability of the parasite to attach to the skin.
• Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.  

For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County Algae Alerts, visit: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/lake-alerts