What is blue-green algae?
Algae and cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) can rapidly grow out of control, or “bloom,” when water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients.
How can people get sick from blue-green algae?
People can get sick when they have contact with water that contains certain types of cyanobacteria or their toxins. Some of the ways people have contact with cyanobacteria is through skin contact with water containing toxins while swimming or doing other activities in the water. People may also be exposed by drinking water containing toxins.
People exposed to cyanotoxins through touching or swimming in contaminated water or breathing in droplets of contaminated air may experience the following symptoms:
Respiratory Symptoms |
Dermatological Symptoms |
Other Symptoms |
| Sore throat | Itchy skin | Earache |
| Congestion | Red skin | Agitation |
| Cough | Blisters | Headache |
| Wheezing | Hives | Abdominal pain |
| Difficulty breathing | Diarrhea | |
| Eye irritation | Vomiting |
Seeking Care
If you think you have symptoms caused by harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), call UHS at 608-265-5600 to talk with a nurse about how to manage your symptoms.