EMPIRE, Mich. -- Testing is underway to confirm a possible botulism outbreak at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire, Mich.

Officials said they were alerted to the problem after finding dead fish and birds this week.

They said the beach is safe for swimming, but caution to keep pets away from wildlife.

Authorities said it will take at least two weeks before test results are known.

A person infected with botulism, which is a toxin, can become paralyzed in the face and then throughout the rest of the body.

The toxin has a low kill rate with a 2 percent rate of death if treatment is administered early.

Without treatment, a case of botulism has a 60 percent fatality rate.

The U.S. sees roughly 100 cases per year, with most involving children.