FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky Division of Water has confirmed the presence of harmful levels of cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, in four more central Kentucky lakes.
Tests at Beaver Lake in Anderson County, Guist Creek Lake in Shelby County, Lake Reba in Madison County and Willisburg Lake in Washington County found levels that exceeded cautionary limits established by the World Health Organization.
Exposure can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It also can cause skin, eye and throat irritation and, in some cases, breathing difficulties.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found excessive levels of cyanobacteria earlier this year in Taylorsville, Nolin, Barren, Rough River and Green River lakes.
Cyanobacteria appear as slicks of bright-green paint on the water surface.
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