Wading in Winnebago: What to Watch For

Keeping kids & pets safe

Warm weather is here, and for a lot of residents in Winnebago County that means it's time for water recreation. Before you go wading, swimming, paddleboarding, or boating, visually check the water for signs of blue-green algae.

Toxins from harmful blue-green algae can sicken people and animals who swallow, touch, or inhale droplets from contaminated water. Blue-green algae blooms often smell bad, look like spilled paint or pea soup, and can turn water green, blue, turquoise, purple, tan, or white. Some form scum or mats on the surface and may remain in place or shift rapidly with wind and currents.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Winnebago County Public Health, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's ERIC Lab, monitors the water quality at beaches and boat launches on Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Mortes, and Lake Poygan. Watch for advisory's and closures this summer on our website and Facebook page.

What to know

• Know what an algae bloom looks like. Blooms can appear overnight and can vary in size and color.
• What if you go in water experiencing a bloom? Shower immediately with fresh, clean water and monitor for sudden signs of blue-green algae-related illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, sore throat, skin rash, and blistering (especially if lake/river water was ingested).
• Watch where your pets play. If your pet comes into contact with blue-green algae, wash them off immediately with clean water.
• If you wade into water up to your knees and cannot see your feet, the amount of algae could be unsafe. When in doubt, stay out!

If you get sick after swimming in a Wisconsin Lake or River

Please report it to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services by calling 608-266-1120 or by completing the Harmful Algae Bloom Illness or Sighting Survey.

Learn More:

WCPH Blue Green Algae

DHS Algae: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms

Fight The Bite - Tick Season Is Here

Protecting you and your family from preventable diseases

Ticks are most active in our region of the state from May to November according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Ticks typically are found in wooded areas, tall grass, and brush.

There are three types of ticks in Wisconsin that can spread diseases:

• Deer tick or black legged tick
• Wood or American dog tick
• Lone star tick.

There are many ways to protect yourself from tick bites:

• Use bug repellent on skin and clothing. Highly rated repellents for ticks include 20% picaridin and DEET.
• Use permethrin on clothes, shoes and gear. Permethrin is a pesticide that kills ticks when they crawl on your clothes, and it can last through several washes. Note: Permethrin is not to be used on skin.
• Wear the right clothing: Long-sleeves, long pants, and tall socks that limit skin exposure are key. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into shoes or socks to further limit ticks access to your skin.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid places where ticks are most likely to be such as wooded or brushy areas and tall grass.

If you find a tick: proper tick removal

• Use a narrow-bladed tweezers as close as possible to the skin to remove the tick. Pull upward and out with firm and steady tension.
• If tweezers are not available use your fingers to remove the tick. Shield your skin by using a tissue or gloves.
• Once you have removed the tick use rubbing alcohol to clean the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water.

After removal of tick

After removal of tick and for the next 30 days, watch for the following symptoms: rash, fever, new muscle and joint pain, and new fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your primary care provider for an evaluation and/or blood test. In Wisconsin, where Lyme disease is common it's important to seek medical help as a single dose of antibiotics could help prevent illness. 

Level up your self-love: check your HIV status

Preventing Spread of disease

Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy, whatever the result. A negative test result lets you use free HIV prevention tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and condoms. A positive test result allows you to start HIV treatment quickly to stay healthy.

June 27th is National HIV testing day, but you can get tested anytime with an appointment at Winnebago County Public Health. Results are confidential and available in 20 minutes. A $15 donation is requested to cover the cost of the test. To schedule an appointment call us at (920) 232-3000 or email us.

Learn More:

HIV.Gov HIV Basics

DHS HIV in Wisconsin

CDC About HIV

Get the lead out: Let's make homes lead-safe

Protecting children from lead poisoning

Lead has been making headlines lately - from Milwaukee schools to lead service line replacements - and for good reason. Widely used in paint, plumbing, and cosmetics until 1978, lead is a toxic metal that can harm the brain and body. It's especially dangerous for children under six, increasing the risk of learning disabilities and behavioral issues as their bodies develop.

Winnebago County Public Health has a Lead-Safe Homes Program to coordinate and pay for the safe removal of lead hazards from homes - privately owned AND rental properties - in Winnebago County. In 2024 we utilized over a million dollars in grant funds to remediate 22 homes to be safe for local children and families.

We are currently accepting applicants for 2025. To learn more and apply please visit our website. For questions about the program, or if you need help submitting an application, please call us at (920) 232-3000 or email us.

Staff Spotlight: Get to Know Belinda

How long have you been working at WCPH? 

I have been working at Winnebago County Public Health for 36 years.  My entire career has been focused on ensuring families have the tools and resources they need to be strong and healthy. I have worked in WIC, Prenatal Care Coordination, Car Seat Safety, Immunizations, and the Safe Sleep Program… just to name a few.   

Please describe your role:

My current role at Public Health is managing the WIC Program. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC helps young families with healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to community agencies. 

What is one WCPH accomplishment that you feel particularly proud of? 

I am really proud of the fantastic WIC team and my contributions in making the team what it is. Every person who works at the WIC clinic really cares about the families and makes sure that each family has what they need to be their best. 

What initiative at WCPH are you most excited about right now and why? 

The WIC food benefit will be going through some changes this fall. The WIC benefits provide participants with a wider variety of foods that align with the latest nutritional science, better accommodate personal and cultural food preferences, plus address key nutritional needs to support healthy dietary patterns. It has been amazing to see the changes that have happened with WIC over the years. When I started we wrote out each paper check, and now we use an electronic benefit card and we include more healthy foods including fruits and vegetables. 

What do you love about working at WCPH? 

Being a parent is hard and I love the ability to help pregnant people and new families be the best they can be. I am humbled and honored to help the families of Winnebago County reach their goals and thrive. I love to see the pride of each mom when she comes into the clinic with her baby and children. I must also admit that I love to see and hold babies so that is the added bonus of each day.

What do you want the community to know about your role at WCPH? 

WIC is here to help families be the best they can be. Give us a call…we love to help.

Congratulations Ashley and Jesse!