The state is advising people vacationing and living around the North and South Tenmile Lakes at Lakeside to stay out of the water.

The Oregon Department of Human Services issued a health advisory Friday afternoon, saying there are high levels of toxic algae that can harm people and animals.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals. Drinking water from Tenmile Lakes is especially dangerous. Laura Boswell, the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program coordinator, said toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water.

People who draw in-home water directly from an algae bloom-affected water body are advised to use an alternative water source.

DHS also recommends people who choose to eat fish from the lakes remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness. It also can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.

The advisory said people still can visit the lakes for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk, the press release said.

For information, call the Tenmile Lake Basin Partnership at 759-2414.

For health information, call Boswell at (971) 673-0438, go to the Web site at http://www.oregon.go/DHS/ph/hab/; call the DHS toll-free information line at (877) 290-6767, or Coos County Health Department at 756-2020.