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.
Swimmer's Itch
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by tiny parasites found in water. It is most common in June and July. Swimmer’s itch is not dangerous and cannot be spread from person to person, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch:
- Tingling, burning, or itching of the skin – within minutes to days after swimming.
- Small reddish pimples – within 12 hours.
- Small blisters – may develop.
If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief:
- Use corticosteroid cream.
- Apply cool compresses to the rash.
- Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda.
- Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths.
- Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency).
- Use an anti-itch lotion.
It is important to try very hard not to scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms.
Who is at risk for swimmer’s itch?
- Anyone can get swimmer’s itch.
- Children are more likely to get swimmer’s itch than adults because kids tend to spend more time in the shallow waters, where the parasite may be present.
How to prevent swimmer’s itch:
- Do not swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem.
- Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas.
- Towel dry or shower right after leaving the water.
- Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.
For more information, visit - Swimmer's Itch | Wisconsin Department of Health Services