Toxic blue-green algae impacting these Kansas lakes

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae in 15 lakes. (See below)

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away.

The toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at KDHE.gov.

Active Advisories

Warning

• Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County
• Gathering Pond, Geary County
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
• King Lake, Lyon County
• Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
• Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County

Watch

• Atchison City Lake #8, Atchison County
• Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
• Cedar Lake, Johnson County
• Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County
• Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
• Louisburg City Lake, Miami County
• Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
• River Pond (Tuttle Creek state Park), Pottawatomie & Riley Counties
• Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County

A Warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
• Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A Watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
• Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
• Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
• Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
• Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

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