WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Blue-green algae has been confirmed in Lake Du Bay, prompting health officials to urge caution for anyone recreating on or in the water.
The blooms can produce toxins that may harm people and animals who ingest or come into contact with affected water. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises: When in doubt, stay out. “Swimming in or swallowing water with high levels of blue-green algae presents health risks to individuals,” said Caitlin Suginaka, Marathon County health officer.
Gary Garske, Portage County Division of Public Health manager, said anyone swimming and boating is advised to avoid direct contact with blue-green algae blooms. “Awareness and common sense are key,” Garske said.
Algae blooms take on many different appearances and colors. They can look like pea soup or spilled paint on the surface of the water and can range from blue to red in color.
There is currently no treatment for blue-green algae blooms, so it is best to stay out of the water until the bloom dissipates on its own. Although many adults will avoid swimming in such conditions, children and pets are less conscious of where they choose to swim.
If you think you may be sick after swimming in water contaminated with blue-green algae, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services states symptoms can include skin rash, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can show up minutes to hours after exposure.
Pets, especially dogs, can experience symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, convulsions and even death following exposure to blue-green algae. Health officials recommend that if you or your pets have been exposed to blue-green algae and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical or veterinary attention.
The Wisconsin DNR offers tips to protect you and your family: Do not swim in water that looks like pea soup, green or blue paint, or that has a scum layer or puffy blobs floating on the surface. Do not boat or water ski over such water as people can be exposed through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets.
Do not let children play with scum layers, even from shore. Do not let pets or livestock swim in or drink waters experiencing blue-green algae blooms.
Always take a shower after any contact with surface water whether or not a blue-green algae bloom appears to be present.
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