Officials Warn Of Toxic Algae Blooms After Child Gets Sick

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Health officials are warning the public about toxic blue-green algae blooms in Minnesota lakes after incidents earlier this month where a child was hospitalized and two dogs died near Alexandria.

As temperatures rise, toxic algae blooms will appear more and more on lakes. While officials say it's impossible to tell if a bloom will be toxic, it's best to be cautious.

Exposure to blue-green algae, which looks like pea soup or green paint on the water's surface, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rash, eye irritation, sore throats and headaches. Pets are especially vulnerable to the toxins.

Pam Anderson, a water quality supervisor with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said that if the water in the lake looks gross and smells bad, don't swim in it.

"If you're not sure, it's best for people and pets to stay out of the water," she said.

Blue-green algae blooms are a result of how much phosphorus gets into lakes from urban and agricultural runoff, officials say. The blooms occur after rain pushes chemicals into lakes and they bake in the summer heat.

If you or your pet comes in contact with blue-green algae, wash off with fresh water immediately. If symptoms are experienced, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.