Toxic algae warnings issued for two Thurston County lakes

Thurston County health officials issued toxic algae warnings Thursday morning for Long and Pattison lakes.

People should avoid swimming, fishing or letting their pets play in the water at those lakes because of unsafe levels of anatoxin, which affects the nervous system, a county news release stated.

“Given the expected warm weather ... children and pets may be eager to play in the water,” said Art Starry, director of the county’s Environmental Health Division. “We recommend that people stay out of the lakes and not risk getting sick. This is especially important for small children and pets, who are most susceptible to the effects of toxic blue-green algae. Anglers who fish the affected lakes are advised to practice catch and release until the advisories are lifted.”

Information about the algae blooms have been posted at public and community access points and public boat launches on each of the lakes. The advisories will remain in place, and the lakes will be monitored weekly, until algae levels are at or below the state standard, officials said.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Toxic algae warnings issued for two Thurston County lakes."