Access to water closed until further notice; park still open
MEADE — Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are prohibiting fishing, boating, and other water recreation at Meade State Fishing Lake, 8 miles south and 5 miles west of Meade, due to concerns over blue-green algae blooming in the lake. The state park areas at the lake are still open to campers and picnickers. KDPW has contacted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and further testing should be conducted this week.

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 (spray resulting 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 lake water, seek medical attention immediately.

Animals, especially dogs, can also become ill. Pets that become ill soon after contact with the water should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

KDWP will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the lake as soon as conditions warrant. For more information, call the Meade State Park office, 620-873-2572, or Mike Miller at the KDWP Pratt Operations office, 620-672-0765.
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