Health officials issue blue-green algae advisory for Lake Du Bay
(WSAW) -Health officials in central Wisconsin are warning residents to stay out of the water at Lake Du Bay after confirming the presence of toxic blue-green algae. The Wisconsin Department of Natural. . .
(WSAW) -Health officials in central Wisconsin are warning residents to stay out of the water at Lake Du Bay after confirming the presence of toxic blue-green algae. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and local health departments issued an advisory Thursday urging caution for anyone using the lake which spans Marathon and Portage counties. “Swimming in or swallowing water with high levels of blue-green algae presents health risks to individuals,” said Caitlin Suginaka, Marathon County Health Officer. Portage County Division of Public Health Manager Gary Garske urged swimmers and boaters to avoid direct contact with the blooms. “Algae blooms can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick after they swallow, breathe in, or have contact with the water,” Garske said. The DNR advises a simple rule of thumb: “When in doubt, stay out. ”Identifying Blooms and SymptomsAlgae blooms can look like pea soup or spilled paint on the water’s surface, and while they are typically blue-green, they can range from blue to red. Officials note there is currently no treatment for the blooms, meaning the water must be avoided until they naturally dissipate. While adults generally avoid these conditions, children and pets are highly vulnerable. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, symptoms of exposure in humans include:Skin rashMuscle crampsNausea and vomitingIf water containing algal toxins is ingested, symptoms such as lethargy, seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting can appear within minutes to hours. High Risk for PetsPets, particularly dogs, face severe risks. Exposure can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, convulsions, and death. Health officials recommend seeking immediate medical or veterinary attention if exposure is suspected and symptoms develop. To protect families and pets, the DNR recommends:Avoid swimming in green, blue, or scummy water, or areas with puffy floating blobs. Avoid boating or water skiing over blooms, as toxins can be inhaled through aerosolized water droplets. Do not let children play with shoreline scum. Do not let livestock or pets swim in or drink from affected waters. Do not treat the water with algaecides or herbicides, as killing the algae cells releases more toxins into the water. Shower immediately after any contact with surface water. How to Report ExposureAnyone who suspects they, a family member, or a pet became ill from algae exposure is asked to report it to the Wisconsin Division of Public Healthonlineor by calling (608) 266-1120. Click hereto download the WSAW news app or WSAW First Alert weather app. Click hereto submit a news tip or story idea. Copyright 2026 WSAW. All rights reserved.