Blue-green algae danger grows

Toxins that can sicken or kill dogs, people found in some state lakes

Read Entire Story

...Some of the heaviest loads of these scum-forming organisms were found this year at Lake Koshkonong in Rock and Jefferson counties; Redstone in Sauk County; Colladay and Stricker's ponds in Dane County; and an artificial pond at the Odana Hills Golf Course in Dane County, according to a preliminary report.

"The health risk is real," Mark Werner, a toxicologist with the state Department of Health and Family Services, said. "There can be enough toxin in the water to cause harm to humans."
People could be exposed to the poisons if they swallow water through the mouth or nose while swimming or boating, Werner said.

The state Health Department advises the public to call a doctor if someone ingests water with algae and then becomes ill with one or more of the following symptoms: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, severe muscle or joint pain. A person showing signs of seizure or convulsions after swimming in water tainted with blue-green algae should be taken to an emergency room.

Contact with the water could cause allergic reactions and some of those symptoms include skin rash, hives and itchy eyes and throat.