Blue Green Algae
Watch out for blue-green algae blooms in waterways and avoid swimming in water where visible scum or mats of blue-green algae are present during the summer months.
Exposure may cause you to have the following symptoms:
- Sore throat,
- Congestion,
- Cough,
- Wheezing,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Eye irritation,
- Itchy skin,
- Red skin,
- Hives and more.
Currently, there are no known treatments for cyanotoxin poison. Contact your healthcare provider for supportive medical care.
Steps to take if you see a bloom:
You can’t tell by looking at a bloom if it’s making toxins or not, so treat every bloom like it’s harmful.
- Don’t swim or wade in blooms.
- Don’t boat, water ski, or jet ski through blooms.
- Don’t eat fish from lakes with blooms.
- Always shower with soap and water as soon as possible after swimming.
- Watch your pets:
- Don’t let pets drink from water experiencing a bloom.
- Don’t let pets eat cyanobacterial scum or lick it off their fur.
- Wash your pet with clean water right away.
- Seek care from a vet right away for pets with sudden, severe symptoms.
Visit the WI Department of Natural Resources and the WI Department of Health Services for additional information on blue green algae.
