LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (WLS) — Anyone hoping to take a dip in Lake Geneva in Wisconsin before the end of summer may be disappointed.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Health officials in the state of Wisconsin discovered large amounts of blue-green algal blooms in the lake.
The algae can produce toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans and animals.
To reduce the risk to the public, health authorities have closed some beaches.
ABC7 Meteorologist Tracy Butler spoke with Gina Laliberte of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about the potential risks of being in the water when the mildew blooms form.
“Some blue-green algae can produce toxins. Not all of them do, and those that do don’t do it all the time,” Laliberte said. “You would be exposed to these toxins, which could potentially make you sick, if you swallowed them with water or inhaled them in water droplets.”
Laliberte added that the toxic chemicals could also be harmful to pets.
“If they drink really questionable water that contains blue-green algae, they can get very sick. They can also become infected if they lick blue-green algae off their fur,” Laliberte explained.
ALSO READ | Authorities warn of dangers from blue-green algae
When people come into contact with the flower, they often experience sore throats, runny noses, diarrhea and eye irritation.
When animals come into contact with the toxic chemical, they suffer from breathing difficulties, diarrhea, cramps and vomiting.
Click here to report an illness caused by blue-green algae.
Click here to view a map of beach conditions.
Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.
