The Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Emigrant Lake outside Ashland, officials said early Friday evening.

OHA issued the advisory on May 1 due to photo and satellite imagery evidence of potentially-toxin producing cyanobacteria near areas of high recreational use, a news release said.

“Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Emigrant Lake are below recreational guideline values. OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms,” the release said.

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A preliminary recreational use health advisory has been issued for Emigrant Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom, state health officials said Thursday afternoon.

“People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water,” the Oregon Health Authority said in a news release. “Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

“People can still enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins,” health officials said.

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous, OHA said. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters.

People also should watch their children and pets carefully because of their increased risk of exposure due to their size and level of activity around the water, OHA noted. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore, health officials warned. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs also can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Symptoms of human exposure to cyanotoxins may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, OHA said, recommending that people not eat fish pulled from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing, health officials said. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.