Douglas County Public Health officials are reminding people to be on the alert for blue-green algae blooms in waterways this summer, and to avoid swimming or letting pets play in water where a visible scum or mat of blue-green algae is present.
"When blue-green algae are present in high numbers, some bathers who swim in affected waters may experience eye, ear or skin irritation, or gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea," said Kathy Ronchi, Douglas County health officer.
Blue-green algae are found naturally in Wisconsin lakes and ponds at low levels. As the weather gets warmer, conditions become more favorable for it bloom, or increase greatly in number. To protect your family, pets and livestock, it is best to stay away from the suspect water.
For more info, and some basic guidelines to help you avoid exposure to blue-green algal blooms, call the Douglas County Health Department at 715-395-1304.
Two county government meetings are scheduled this week.
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The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Highway Department, 7417 S. County Road E, Hawthorne.
The Public Safety Committee meets at 4 p.m. Thursday in Room 207C of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1313 Belknap St.
Meeting agendas and information about Douglas County government are available at douglascountywi.org. I welcome your comments and suggestions, and can be reached at 715-395-1429 or aaron.fregard@douglascountywi.org .
