Blue Green Algae Press Release 2016

Blue-Green Algae Awareness Press Release: 7/5/2016

For Immediate Release

Don’t let Blue-Green Algae take the fun out of summer swimming!

As the summer gets into full swing and weather continues to be warm, the threat of blue-green algae in lakes, rivers, and streams grows greater.  Sauk, Juneau and Adams counties health officials want residents to enjoy the beaches and swimming areas safely by avoiding the toxic algae blooms.

“Swimming in or swallowing water with high levels of blue-green algae presents health risks to individuals.” Says Justin Huelsemann RS, South Central Environmental Health Consortium. “Awareness and common sense is the key.  People and their pets should avoid swimming in water where they can visually identify blue-green algae blooms or if the water smells foul.”

Algae blooms take on many different appearances and colors. They can look like pea soup or paint on the surface of the water.  Although the color is usually a blue-green the algae blooms can range from blue to red in color.  Although many adults will avoid swimming in such conditions, children and pets are less conscious of where they chose 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 a person comes into contact with blue-green algae they might experience eye, ear, or skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea.  These symptoms can show up just hours after exposure or could take as long as days to appear. Contact a physician if you are experiencing muscle cramps, respiratory difficulties, nausea or vomiting after swimming in a lake or river.  Pets should also be taken to a veterinarian’s office if they show signs of illness after such activities. 

It is always good practice to wash off after playing or swimming in any lake, river, or stream.  It is especially critical to wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food.

For more information or questions on Blue-Green Algae, see contact information below:

Justin Huelsemann

Environmental Health Sanitarian
South Central Environmental Health Consortium
Email- jhueslemann@co.sauk.wi.us
Office Phone- 608-355-3290