WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health has issued a warning for McNary Wildlife Refuge due to high levels of toxic blue-green algae, which is known as microcystin.

Water samples were taken on Monday from the west side of Lake Road near the Visitors Center and exceeded state recreation guidelines.

Microcystin is a liver toxin that can cause serious illness in humans, especially children, and is fatal to pets if ingested, inhaled or makes contact with the skin.

Officials ask that the public takes these precautions while the warning advisory is in place:

Do not swim or water ski.

Do not drink the water.

Keep pets and livestock away from the water.

Clean fish well and discard guts.

Avoid areas of scum when boating.

When in doubt, stay out. Avoid wat

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