State warns: Don’t swim in these popular Kansas lakes on 4th of July weekend
Four lakes in Kansas have been deemed unsafe for people and pets to enter because of blue-green algae, the Kansas Department of Health says.
Those lakes are Lake Afton in Sedgwick County, Harvey County East Lake, Marion Lake (Reservoir) in Marion County and Webster Lake in Rooks County. They are under a warning status for blue-green algae.
“A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure,” a news release issued June 29 said. “Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.”
Harmful algal bloom may “look like foam scum or paint floating in the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red,” the release says.
Toxins from the algae can be transmitted by drinking or inhaling water and by skin contact, the release added.
Symptoms of exposure include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache.
If a person or dog comes in contact with algae, immediately rinse the area with clean, fresh water, KDHE said. Residents are encouraged to report an illness or health incident of algal bloom through an online form.
The state monitors lakes and reservoirs for blue-green algae and will issue a hazard, warning, watch or lifted status. Current advisories for lakes can be viewed on kdhe.ks.gov/Harmful-Algal-Blooms.