JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- Rock County officials say they've found blue-green algae in Lake Koshkonong.
According to a release, the Rock County Public Health Department says it has recently observed the algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, in the waters of Lake Koshkonong.
The department says it is hard to determine exact levels of blue-green algae toxin concentrations. Anyone considering recreation on or in the water should use caution and common sense.
The public health department recommends taking the following precautions:
- Do not swim in areas of high algae concentration (especially water with a floating scum layer that may look like green, blue or white paint or pea-soup).
- Do not swallow water (especially small children and pets).
- Rinse off after coming in contact with pond or lake water.
Blue-green algae are naturally present in Wisconsin ponds, rivers and lakes.
The public health department says when conditions are favorable the algae can grow rapidly and form blooms of bright green, blue-green or white scum and foam layers. Some of the algae can produce a toxin that can produce harmful health effects if ingested. Some of the exposure symptoms can be skin or eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms. Pets and children are particularly vulnerable to these conditions because they tend not to avoid these water conditions.