Green scourge: Illness after exposure to toxic algae bloom in a Chippewa Valley waterway is reported to state

Aug. 28--A Dunn County resident may be the first in the Chippewa Valley to report illness after exposure to a toxic algae bloom in an area waterway.

Physical symptoms after exposure to blue-green algae -- also known as cyanobacteria -- became reportable to the state Department of Health Services on July 1. Since then, no one has made reports in Eau Claire or Chippewa counties, but health officials are urging people to stay out of scummy water and report any physical symptoms if they occur.

"When in doubt, stay out," said KT Gallagher, Dunn County health officer. "If folks are concerned they are exposed, talk to a medical provider and let the state Department of Health Services know if they've become ill so we can get some data."

Gallagher declined to specify on which body of water in Dunn County the local resident came into contact with toxic algae, in order to protect that person's identity, she said. The county received the illness report from the state on Friday.

According to a statement from the Dunn County Public Health Department, blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. As the name suggests, it's most often blue-green in color but can also be reddish-purple or brown.

Symptoms vary based on the type and length of exposure, Gallagher said. People and animals can get sick after ingesting or having skin contact with algal blooms, or even by inhaling small water droplets that spray up during motorized water activities such as skiing and using personal watercraft.

Water inhalation can result in a sore throat, sinus congestion, a cough or difficulty breathing, she said. Skin contact with blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, skin rashes, hives or blisters. Ingestion could lead to more serious symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting.

Those who think they have symptoms related to algae bloom exposure should call the Wisconsin Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Pets that have become ill should be taken to a veterinarian right away, Gallagher said.

To report illness from algae exposure to the Wisconsin Harmful Algal Blooms Program, call 608-266-1120 or fill out an online survey at tinyurl.com/y7yg53pz.

While Dunn County's 12 named lakes are not regularly tested for algae blooms, Gallagher said, the county has signs posted at 40 public access sites for local lakes and rivers.

In Eau Claire, six public beaches are tested weekly for algal blooms and E. coli, Eau Claire City-County Health Department assistant director Marisa Stanley said. However, if elevated levels of either are discovered, officials test the beaches daily until test results return to normal levels.

As of Monday afternoon, Lake Altoona and Lake Eau Claire were under an algae advisory, Stanley said.

"The recommendation is to not swim, touch or swallow the water near the algae," Stanley said. "It can be especially harmful to children and pets, and we also advise not to fish near those areas."

Angela Weideman, director of the Chippewa County Public Health Department, said water quality can change day by day because of factors including rainfall and wind.

The department does some water testing for E. coli, Weideman said, but doesn't have the resources necessary for frequent algae testing. The county instead works with the state Department of Natural Resources for that, she said.

The department has received two reports from community members of algal blooms with photos included, which she forwarded to the DNR.

Weideman warned that goose excrement in the sand can also cause illness.

"If you're spending time at the beach," she said, "make sure you take a shower afterward and wash your hands before you eat."

Contact: 715-830-5828, lauren.french@ecpc.com, @LaurenKFrench on Twitter -- PROTECT YOURSELF

Some tips from the state Department of Natural Resources regarding protection against algae illness:

--Don't swim in water that looks like green or blue paint, or water that has puffy blobs floating on the surface.

--Don't boat or water ski over such water.

--Don't let children, pets or livestock play, swim in or drink water experiencing algae blooms.

--In general, avoid swimming in areas where you cannot see your feet in knee-deep water.

People who think they have symptoms related to algae bloom exposure should call the Wisconsin Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Pets that have become ill after being in water discolored by algae blooms should be taken to a veterinarian right away, said KT Gallagher, Dunn County health officer.

To report illness from algae exposure to the Wisconsin Harmful Algal Blooms Program, call 608-266-1120 or fill out an online survey at tinyurl.com/y7yg53pz.

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