Algae are blooming on the Illinois River. The Illinois Department of Public Health says tests on water by Starved Rock Lock and Dam confirm an algal toxin. Microcystin can cause coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Three other toxins were tested for but weren’t found. People should avoid water with surface scum, green-blue globs, and areas that look like spilled green or blue paint. The toxin can bother pets too.
Toxin from algae found near Starved Rock Lock and Dam
