The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s weekly blue-green algae alert report has been stable for several weeks, meaning two area bodies of water remain in a watch and another remains in a warning.
Emporia State University’s King Lake and the Melvern Outlet Swim Pond remain in algae watches, while the Melvern Outlet River Pond remains in an algae warning. King Lake has been in an algae watch or warning since late June.
An algae watch means people are encouraged to avoid places where algae has collected and also to keep pets and livestock away from the water. An algae warning means all contact with the body of water in question should be avoided.
Blue-green algae blooms create several toxins that can be harmful or deadly if the algae is consumed. Toxins can be eaten, inhaled or absorbed by skin contact, with symptoms including rash, headache, sore throat, diarrhea and fever.
