BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ADVISORY AT LAKE DU BAY

Blue‑green algae (cyanobacteria) has been confirmed in Lake Du Bay. Residents are urged to use caution when recreating on or in this waterbody. 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 (DNR) advises: When in doubt, stay out.

Lake Du Bay spans Marathon and Portage counties. “Swimming in or swallowing water with high levels of blue-green algae presents health risks to individuals,” says Caitlin Suginaka, Marathon County Health Officer. “Awareness and common sense are key,” adds Gary Garske, Portage County Division of Public Health Manager. “Anyone swimming and boating is advised to avoid direct contact with blue-green algae blooms, which can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick after they swallow, breathe in, or have contact with the water.”

Algae blooms take on many different appearances and colors. They can look like pea soup or spilled paint on the surface of the water. Although usually blue-green, algae blooms 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. It is important to protect children and pets from the threat of blue-green algae by making sure they avoid contaminated waters.

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. Additionally, people and animals that ingest water containing algal toxins can show symptoms of lethargy, seizures, diarrhea, 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, water ski, etc. 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.
• Do not treat surface waters that are experiencing blue-green algae blooms with any herbicide or algaecide-- toxins are released into the water when blue-green algae cells die.
• In general, avoid swimming in areas where you cannot see your feet in knee-deep water.
• Always take a shower after any contact with surface water whether or not a blue-green algae bloom appears to be present. Surface waters may contain other species of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

If you think you, a family member, or pet developed an illness after exposure to blue-green algae, please report the illness to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health by filling out an online survey at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/contacts.htm or calling (608) 266-1120. 

For more information or questions on Blue-Green Algae, go to https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/index.htm or call the Marathon County Health Department at 715-261-1900.