Kansas officials issue toxic algae alert for Lake Afton

Kansas authorities have issued a public health advisory urging people and pets to stay out of the water at Lake Afton near Wichita because of elevated toxins.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the 258-acre lake west of Wichita is among more than a dozen to receive a blue-green algae warning.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says people should not swim, wade, ski, boat, fish or use personal watercraft on the lake while the alert is active.

People should also clean fish well before eating them and keep pets, livestock, children and others from eating dried algae or drinking untreated lake water.

People and animals exposed to tainted water should wash immediately with potable water. Exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, irritated eyes, seizures and breathing problems.