(WIBW) - Blue-green algae continues to wreak havoc at a Jewell County reservoir

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says conditions have improved at Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County, but a bloom of toxic blue-green algae has them continuing to advise people to avoid contact with the water.

KDHE first issued the public health advisory July 16. Concentrations of algae in the reservoir exceed the World Health Organization recommended level of 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use. Elevated levels of toxins from the algae were also confirmed.

KDHE says it will tkae more samples from the lake next week. If cell counts continue to decline, KDHE may revise or lift the public health advisory.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks says the lake will remain closed until further notice. Lovewell State Park is open.

KDHE continues to recommend the following precautions be taken at Lovewell Reservoir:
· Avoid ingesting reservoir water
· Avoid swimming or wading in reservoir water
· Avoid consuming any fish or shellfish from the reservoir until further notice as fish and shellfish may absorb toxins from the bloom

The irrigation canals were also sampled this week and results were below the WHO recommended limit. Subsequently, the irrigation canals are no longer part of the public health advisory.

Exposure to the algae or its toxins can cause illness and is dependent on the route of the exposure. Contact with the water, such as wading or swimming, can cause a skin rash, as well as eye, ear and throat irritation. Ingestion or inhaling aerosols (such as from personal watercraft or boating) of contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. If you develop similar symptoms after contact with the reservoir water, seek medical care from your healthcare provider.

Animals, especially dogs, can also become ill. If your pet becomes ill soon after contact with the water, contact your veterinarian right away.

KDHE and Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks will continue to monitor the situation and rescind this advisory as soon as conditions warrant. If the public has any questions or concerns, KDHE can be contacted during normal business hours at 785-291-3092.