'When in doubt, stay out': Experts warn about toxic blue-green algae after illness in Jefferson County

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With hot temps and warm water, you might be tempted to take a dip in a lake or river, but the Wisconsin DNR says to take a good look at it before getting in, or letting your pup in.

Jefferson County's health department says conditions are right for blue green algae blooms in local lakes and coves, and it could be toxic.

"Blue-green algae really like warm water, so this is the perfect time of year for them to grow," said Gina LaLiberte, the algal bloom coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR.

Blue-green algae is naturally present in Wisconsin.

It looks like it sounds: blue or bright green, and sometimes white, usually floating on top of water.

"It's kind of like a bubbly, frothy, scum," said Melissa New, a public health nurse with the Jefferson County Health Department.

The department is spreading awareness after a swimmer came in contact with the algae in Lake Koshkonong.

"We were notified of a person that became ill," New said.

When its toxicity is high, blue-green algae can make humans sick, especially children.

"They might have skin or eye irritation, they might develop vomiting, diarrhea, or cold and flu like symptoms," New said.

Symptoms for people are treatable, but for pets, blue-green algae can be deadly.

It cause paralysis and liver failure in dogs, which happens quickly.

"Symptoms can take place within 15 to 30 minutes after they have been exposed," said Bill Stork, a veterinarian with Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic

If you notice your dog acting sick or confused after being near a body of water, move fast.

"They can be affected if they swim in it, they can be affected if they drink it," Dr. Stork said.

Dr. Stork said Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic usually hears of a dog death from blue-green algae once every two years.

He stresses, prevention is key.

"A lot of people are aware, but it happens," Stork said.

According to experts, the best way to avoid blue-green algae toxicity is to know what it looks like, and pay attention to beach closures.

"Any water that just sort of looks weird, is a weird color, that should be your signal to maybe look for a better place," LaLiberte said.

"When in doubt, stay out," New said.

If you spot what you think is blue-green algae, take photos and report it to the DNR at [email protected].

Make sure to include the bloom location and size, when you observed it, the name of the water body, nearest town, and county.

You can find more details on the DNR'S blue-green algae page and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

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