Watch out for blue-green algae

Lincoln County health officials are warning residents to watch for blue-green algae as warmer weather sets in across the area’s lakes and rivers.
Mike Mandli, environmental health specialist for the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD), said the combination of sunshine and rising water temperatures creates ideal conditions for algal blooms, some of which can harm people and pets through swallowing, skin contact, or inhalation.
“If it looks like split-pea soup, it is important to stay out,” Mandli said. “These conditions typically occur in Lincoln County during mid-June through mid-September.”
“It is important to always be aware—just because it doesn’t look like blue-green algae doesn’t mean it isn’t in the water,” he added.
Blue-green algae is often compared to pea soup or spilled green paint, though it can also appear white, red, or brown, according to a press release from the LCHD. The algae grows most heavily in warm, calm, sunny conditions once water temperatures climb above 75 degrees, and blooms can form quickly and carry a foul odor. Because it’s hard to tell a dangerous bloom from a harmless one, the health department recommends treating all algae as a hazard.

Before swimming, the department advises checking for posted water quality notices and visually inspecting the water for signs of algae. Officials also recommend the following precautions:
• Avoid swimming or wading through areas with algal scum
• Avoid boating, water skiing, or jet skiing through blooms
• Avoid fishing in lakes where scum is present
• Shower with soap and water after swimming
Residents should avoid swallowing lake water and should keep dogs from drinking it or eating algae-covered material, Mandli said. Pets face higher risk because of their smaller size—they don’t need to ingest much contaminated water to become sick. Anyone whose pet may have contacted blue-green algae should rinse the animal off immediately, avoid letting it lick the algae away, and contact a veterinarian right away.
People exposed to blue-green algae who experience symptoms such as sore throat, red or itchy skin, hives, cough, earache, difficulty breathing, headache, itchy eyes, stomach pain, or vomiting should contact their healthcare provider.
More information is available on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ and Department of Health Services’ blue-green algae webpages. Algae blooms can be reported to DNRHABS@wisconsin.gov.