The Kansas Department of Health and Environment along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announce the beginning of the Harmful Algal Bloom Season.

 

The harmful blue-green algae can appear on Kansas water ways mostly between April 1 and October 31. The algae can  look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Exposure to toxins produced by the bloom can cause a variety of symptoms depending upon the type of exposure. Types of exposure can include direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Symptoms can include rash, vomiting, fever, sore throat, and headache. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

 

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes and will issue watches and warnings when they are determined to be necessary.

 

Photo algae bloom on Milford Lake, courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers