Health advisory issued for Fernan Lake

A health advisory has been issued for Fernan Lake because of the presence of blue-green algae. People should avoid swimming in or drinking water from the lake east of Coeur d’Alene where the algae is visible, according to the advisory from the Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. This is the second advisory for lake this year, which is the subject of a University of Idaho water quality study. Toxins produced by blue-green algae can cause upset stomachs, skin rashes, liver damage and other health problems, according to the district. Children and pets are particularly susceptible. People who eat fish from the lake should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues. The public will be notified when the advisory is lifted for the lake.