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Algae in floodwaters could cause sickness, death
By Hillary Gavan
Daily News staff writer
Algae may be floating in bodies of water throughout Rock County.
Rock County Health Department officials report that blue-green algae is showing up in local waters. Because it is hard to determine the exact levels of blue-green algae concentrations, anyone considering recreation on or in the water should be cautious.
“If humans ingest it, they could get very sick or even die,” said Rock County Health Officer Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.
Schurhammer said Lake Koshkonong has been identified as a lake with blue-green algae. Although official tests haven't been conducted on Rock County waters, local water bodies are fluorescing at night which is indicative of blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae, technically known at cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms found naturally in Wisconsin lakes, streams and ponds at low levels. When conditions are favorable, usually in the summer, the blue-green algae can “bloom” dramatically.
Algae blooms may be visible as thick mats or scum on the surface of the water. The scum is often smelly and can be bluish green to red in color.
Blue-green algae need warm temperatures, light, phosphorous and nitrogen to reproduce. Phosphorus and nitrogen are common found in animal waste and in fertilizers.
Schurhammer stressed that no one in Wisconsin has died from blue-green algae yet. Most typically it's pets that get into the contaminated waters.
When cyanobacteria are present in high numbers, some bathers may experience eye, ear, or skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Toxins may also cause nerve or liver problems in people or animals that are exposed to them in large amounts.
Signs of poisoning appear between a couple of hours to several days following exposure.
Pets that have been swimming in an areas with an algae bloom may ingest significant amounts of toxins by licking their fur after leaving the water.
Not all cyanobacteria have blooms that are visible, and not all cyanobacteria produce harmful toxins. Between 30 and 50 percent of blooms are from non-toxic species of cyanobacteria.
If someone develops symptoms consistent with cyanotoxin exposure, he or she should contact their physician or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Rock County Health Department officials report that blue-green algae is showing up in local waters. Because it is hard to determine the exact levels of blue-green algae concentrations, anyone considering recreation on or in the water should be cautious.
“If humans ingest it, they could get very sick or even die,” said Rock County Health Officer Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.
Schurhammer said Lake Koshkonong has been identified as a lake with blue-green algae. Although official tests haven't been conducted on Rock County waters, local water bodies are fluorescing at night which is indicative of blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae, technically known at cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms found naturally in Wisconsin lakes, streams and ponds at low levels. When conditions are favorable, usually in the summer, the blue-green algae can “bloom” dramatically.
Algae blooms may be visible as thick mats or scum on the surface of the water. The scum is often smelly and can be bluish green to red in color.
Blue-green algae need warm temperatures, light, phosphorous and nitrogen to reproduce. Phosphorus and nitrogen are common found in animal waste and in fertilizers.
Schurhammer stressed that no one in Wisconsin has died from blue-green algae yet. Most typically it's pets that get into the contaminated waters.
When cyanobacteria are present in high numbers, some bathers may experience eye, ear, or skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Toxins may also cause nerve or liver problems in people or animals that are exposed to them in large amounts.
Signs of poisoning appear between a couple of hours to several days following exposure.
Pets that have been swimming in an areas with an algae bloom may ingest significant amounts of toxins by licking their fur after leaving the water.
Not all cyanobacteria have blooms that are visible, and not all cyanobacteria produce harmful toxins. Between 30 and 50 percent of blooms are from non-toxic species of cyanobacteria.
If someone develops symptoms consistent with cyanotoxin exposure, he or she should contact their physician or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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