Do not touch the water or let your pets handle areas in Lake Shawnee where there may be a blue-green algae problem, officials said Friday.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a health alert regarding the problem at the lake, according to a news release issued Friday by KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh.
The resulting harmful algal blooms can develop rapidly, be blue, brown, red or light green in color and look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water, Bronaugh said.
Avoid contact with rotting algae on the shore and in the water
“If the water appears suspicious or there is rotting algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away,” she said. “These toxins can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even through skin contact.”
Symptoms vary depending on the type of exposure but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache, Bronaugh said.
“If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water,” she said.
Bronaugh urged the public to report suspected HAB-related health events in animals or humans online at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at [email protected] or 785-213-5934.
