Status: Active
Date issued: 27 May 2022
Issued by: Angie Bone, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment)
Issued to: Consumers and health professionals
Key messages
- A harmful blue-green algal bloom is occurring in the Gippsland Lakes and along the Ninety Mile Beach, near Lakes Entrance.
- Some species of blue-green algae produce toxins which are harmful to human health.
- Direct contact with the toxins can cause local irritation to the skin, eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
- Do not swim in algal blooms or come into contact with affected water.
- Accidentally swallowing algae-affected water or consuming seafood containing toxins can lead to illness.High levels of toxins have been detected in seafood caught within the Gippsland Lakes, and more recently in prawns caught off the coast of Lakes Entrance.
- Do not consume potentially affected seafood.
- Read the full advisory: Health warning on blue-green algae.
