SANDPOINT, Idaho- A public health advisory has been issued on Aug. 7 by the Panhandle Health District (PHD), Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the the Chuck Slough area.

DEQ indicates harmful algal bloom (HAB) in recent water sampling. Precautions should be taken across the lakes as HAB can spread and move through wind and water traffic.

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here.

If consuming fish from the lake, it is advised to remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking. Toxins can collect in those tissues.

Symptoms of exposure to HAB can include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and/ or wheezing. Indigestion of HAB can lead to severe liver and nervous damage.

The blooms may appear as discolored

See Full Page