'Look before you leap:' County health department warns swimmers of blue-green algae exposure

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- County health officials are warning residents to check bodies of water for blue-green algae before swimming.

According to the DHS , blue-green algae "are photosynthetic bacteria known as cyanobacteria, which can cause illness and death in humans and animals."

The La Crosse County Health Department shared a Facebook post warning swimmers to check and avoid water that looks like "spilled green paint or pea soup, is discolored or streaky or has mats floating on top."

Exposure to blue-green algae can cause a variety of symptoms such as respiratory issues, rashes and abdominal pain or illness.

Blue-green algae is also toxic to pets and ingesting even a small amount can lead to illness and death. Animal symptoms include lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, diarrhea and vomiting.

Not all Algae is toxic however the DHS says it is difficult to tell from a visual inspection whether an algal bloom is toxic. They encourage people to treat every algal bloom as if it could be toxic.

People should take the following precautions when algal blooms are present:

• Do not swim or wade through algal scums.
• Do not boat, water ski, or jet ski through algal blooms.
• Do not fish in lakes where algal scum is present.
• Always shower off with soap and water after swimming in a lake.
• Do not let dogs or cats drink lake water during an algal bloom.
• Do not let dogs or cats eat algal scum or lick it off their fur.
• Wash pets off with clean water immediately if they swim or wade in water during an algal bloom.

Indvidual's exposed to blue-green algae or have pets that were, are encouraged to report illnesses here and seek medical care for severe symptoms.

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