TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae, including three lakes in Osage County.

For the Labor Day weekend, Osage County lakes under a warning advisory are Carbondale City Lake (Strowbridge) and Melvern Outlet (River) Pond. Overbrook City Lake remains on a watch status.

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

Harmful algal blooms can look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Toxins from the algae can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. If people or dogs come into contact with algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected algae-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1163.