County confirms harmful blue-green algae in Lake Helen
By Patrick Lynn
Portage County Health and Human Services announced on Thursday it had identified the presence of harmful algae in Lake Helen.
Cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae, produce a range of toxins known as cyanotoxins that can pose a danger to humans and animals. Either can become sick after they swallow, breathe in droplets, or have contact with the water, according to a news release from the Portage Co. Health Department.
Symptoms include vomiting, cough, diarrhea, sore throat, headache, skin rashes, abdominal pain, and skin blistering.
Lake Helen is located in the Town of Alban near Rosholt.
In Wisconsin, harmful algal blooms are most common during the warm-weather months between mid-June and mid-September, but they can occur all year.
Ways to protect yourself include:
- Know what an algal bloom looks like. Blue-green algae blooms can appear overnight. They can be fluorescent blue, green, white, red, or brown, and may look like thick paint or pea soup floating on the water.
- Look for beach notices. Be sure to check beach postings and water quality notices before you or your pet go swimming. You can be exposed while swimming by inhaling water spray or just being near a bloom.
- Watch where your pets play. If your pet does come into contact with blue-green algae, immediately wash them off with clean water—don’t let them lick it off their fur.
- When in doubt, stay out! If you wade into the water up to your knees and cannot see your feet, the number of algae could be unsafe.
Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms from exposure to harmful algal blooms should contact their doctor or call the Wisconsin Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) right away.
To report a case to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services with potential health effects caused by blue-green algae, those affected are asked to complete this survey: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3649314/Harmful-Algae-Bloom-HAB-Illness-or-Sighting-Survey-F-XXXXX
If your livestock or other animal gets into the water with a bloom, immediately wash them with clean water and do not let them lick algae off their fur. If pets become suddenly ill with signs of poisoning, such as seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea, bring them to a veterinarian immediately.
For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage on Harmful Algal Blooms or go to:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/bg-algae/index.htm.