Toxic bacteria that killed dog 2 years ago found again in water at Zion National Park
The same toxic bacteria that killed a dog two years ago was detected again in Zion National Park, officials say.
Park staff monitors for harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins monthly, and detected dangerous levels of it in the park’s North Creek on Friday, Nov. 4, according to a news release.
A warning is also in effect for the North Fork of the Virgin River, and a health watch is in place in La Verkin Creek, officials said in the release. Warning and health watch advisories mean visitors should avoid swimming or submerging their heads.
A “danger advisory” means visitors should avoid any direct contact with the water.
Visitors should not drink any water within the park, officials said.
Some activities, such as “technical canyoneering” are still allowed with a permit. Officials urged visitors to check with the park’s Wilderness Office at zion_park_information@nps.gov or 435-772-0170.
Colonies of the cyanobacteria can be “yellow, tan, green, brown, or black,” officials said. The toxins staff found include “anatoxin-a, nodularin, microcystin, and cylindrospermopsin.”
The toxins pose an especially serious risk to children and pets, such as dogs. In 2020, a dog was poisoned in the North Fork of the Virgin River.
The dog died within one hour of swimming in the river and “snapping” at algae growing on the rocks. It couldn’t walk and was having seizures before its death, McClatchy News previously reported.
People can have a wide range of reactions if they’re exposed to cyanotoxins, including skin rash, stomach ache, headache, diarrhea or fever, McClatchy News reported.
In more severe cases, the bacteria can cause liver and kidney damage, or pneumonia and respiratory illnesses. People have also died from exposure in rare cases.
Park visitors who have concerns about cyanotoxin poisoning should call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. In addition to skin rash and diarrhea, symptoms can also include “salivation, drowsiness, tingling, burning, numbness, pain, incoherent speech, seizures” and vomiting, park officials said.
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Toxic bacteria that killed dog 2 years ago found again in water at Zion National Park."
