Blue Green Algae Detected at Miami Co. State Fishing Lake

KDHE Advises Visitors to Take Precautions

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is advising the public to avoid contact with water in the Miami County State Fishing Lake, which is located about ten miles south of Louisburg on U.S. Highway 69. KDHE has confirmed that there is a blue-green algae bloom in the lake.

Blue-green algae blooms appear similar to a flat-colored green paint floating on the water. In fact, blooms are often mistaken as paint spills. When blue-green algae die, they can produce toxins and take on a blue-green or turquoise color and have an unpleasant smell.

Analysis of samples collected from the lake has revealed the presence of blue-green algae. Until further notice, KDHE recommends that the public, as well as their pets, avoid recreating in the lake. Primary concerns of contact with the water are:

• Ingestion. Inadvertent or intentional ingestion of the lake water with a high concentration of blue-green algae toxins may cause illness, and in extremely rare cases, death.
• Skin contact. Contact with the algae contaminated water on the skin can cause potential allergic reactions and skin irritations.

It is considered safe to eat fish taken from water bodies where blue-green algae blooms are occurring. However, it is always unwise to eat fish that appear sick, or have sores or wounds on their skin.

KDHE can be contacted during normal business hours Monday through Friday at 785-296-5500, if anyone has additional questions or concerns.

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