Toi Te Ora Public Health issued a health warning today for Lake Rotorua, the Ohau Channel and the Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti.
It was based on visual assessments and satellite imagery provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Neil de Wet says, the bloom is likely to be of blue-green algae which can be toxic.
Dr De Wet says, it's important to avoid any activity which results in contact with the lake water.
Contact with water affected blue-green algae blooms can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in some individuals.
It can also cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and neurological effects like tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems, in some cases.
Dr De Wet says, algal mats and scum may also accumulate along the shorelines.
He says, it's important that parents ensure that children avoid contact with algal mats and scum as they may be toxic
Toi Te Ora say, dogs are particularly at risk and should also be kept away from the shorelines.
They also say, there's been reported deaths of dogs in the country, that have eaten algae on shorelines.
Sampling is underway to confirm the type of algae causing the bloom.
Image: Te Ara.
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