Blue-green algae has been seen on the Rock River and in Lake Koshkonong in Rock County. The Rock County Public Health Department has issued a warning about the health risks presented by the algae.
Blue-green algae has been seen on the Rock River and in Lake Koshkonong in Rock County. The Rock County Public Health Department has issued a warning about the health risks presented by the algae.
JANESVILLE — The Rock County Public Health Department has found blue-green algae in the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, per a statement Tuesday.
Blue-green algae are naturally present in Wisconsin ponds, rivers and lakes and when conditions are favorable, they can grow rapidly and form blooms of bright green, blue-green or white. The algae form when there are warm temperatures combined with sunlight, and the algae can feed off nutrients in the water. The algae can form thick scum layers on the surface of the water and may look bubbly or frothy.
“Because it is hard to determine exact levels of blue-green algae toxin concentrations, anyone considering recreation on or in the water should use caution and common sense,” wrote Rick Wiestersen, the county’s environmental health director.
The health department recommends avoiding swimming in areas with high algae concentration, which includes staying away from water with a floating scum layer that looks like green, blue or white paint or pea soup. People should also not swallow pond, lake or river water, especially small children. People should rinse off after being in contact with pond, lake or river water. Those who believe they have been exposed to blue-green algae should contact their healthcare providers immediately. Some algae produce toxins that may lead to harmful health effects if ingested, including skin or eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhea or cold or flu-like symptoms.
“Pets and children are particularly vulnerable to these conditions because of their size because they don’t have a natural tendency to avoid these water conditions. Dogs also have an increased risk of illness from the toxins as they are likely to ingest the water,” Wiestersen wrote.
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