KLAMATH -- The Yurok Tribe and the Humboldt County Environmental Health Department are warning tribal members and recreational users of the Klamath River about the dangers of toxic algae.

New tests from Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs have indicated a possible health risk and on Wednesday tribal members were issuing written warnings to reservation villages along the river. New toxin levels have yet to be determined, but according to Troy Fletcher, interim executive director of the Yurok Tribe, rashes and illness have been reported by tribal members.

Animals and children seem to be particularly susceptible to the effects of blue green algae and as a precaution the tribe is recommending pets and children not swim in the river. As this is the height of salmon season, they are also asking fishermen to clean fish with fresh water and to dispose of the innards away from the river or where animals could eat them. Some fish organs seem to retain the algae toxins.

Fletcher said he met with environmental health representatives, the health department and 1st District Supervisor Jimmy Smith in an effort to shore up support in getting the word to the public.

”Toxic algae levels at these reservoirs are the highest levels that have ever been sampled to my knowledge, and we all know water flows down stream,” Fletcher said. “That certainly has an impact on the river water quality below the hydrofacility and it concerned us enough and Karuk Tribe enough to notify the county.”

If children or animals do go in the water, Environmental Health Department Director Brian Cox said they should avoid the stagnant, warmer waters where algae blooms are prevalent, and rinse off with fresh water afterwards. Health risks when exposed to mycrosystis, the toxic strain of blue green algae include: vomiting, rash, diarrhea, stomach cramps and liver problems.

Several years ago dogs had reportedly died after exposure to the algae in the South Fork of the Eel River and Big Lagoon. Reservoir algae levels so far are much higher than those tested in the Eel River and Big Lagoon after the animals died, Cox said.

”In some cases animals were dying within 24 to 48 hours of exposure, in others it was within just a few hours,” Cox said. “Blue green algae is a complicated little creature and we just don’t know enough about it yet.”

For now Fletcher said the tribe will continue to monitor the river and work with local authorities to keep the public abreast of new developments.

”We need to insure there is adequate and timely sampling,” he said. “On the longer term we need to work together to address the larger water quality problems of the hydroelectric facility.”

For more information about algae risks call the Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division at 445-6215.