Woods Creek Lake in Lake in the Hills was closed for several days in June due to the presence of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
Following recent reports of illnesses and dog deaths in other parts of the country, Illinois health officials are warning of the danger from potentially toxic blue-green algae to people and pets.
Water conditions in the summer months are ideal for algae blooms, which are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in lakes, streams, rivers and ponds, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Health. Though most blue-green algae are harmless, some can produce toxic chemicals that cause sickness in people and animals.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while swimming or participating in recreational activities on Illinois waterways, officials said. Pets should not be allowed to drink from water that contains blue-green algae, nor allowed to lick their fur after swimming in it.
Any person or animal who comes in contact with a possible algae bloom should immediately be rinsed off with clean, fresh water.
Read more of the Daily Herald article here. or visit the IEPA algae website here.
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