MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) – Two state agencies issued an advisory today, warning swimmers not to swim in waters that have been tainted with blue-green algae.
Toxicologist Mark Werner says his agency has been getting lots of questions the past couple weeks from people wondering about the effects of blue-green algae on themselves and their pets. Werner said inquiries have come from people swimming in Lake Winnebago, the Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages, and Menomin and Tainter Lakes in Dunn County.
Blue-green algae is a natural element in Wisconsin lakes – but it gets dangerously active on sunny-and-hot days.
The state has not said how many people are confirmed to be sick from blue-green algae.
Fifty-seven related illnesses have been reported in Wisconsin waters during the past two years.
