Health officials are reminding residents and others in Doniphan County, Kansas to avoid any contact with floodwater.

Standing, stagnant floodwater is always a danger zone for a variety of bacteria and other dangerous contaminants, but now the water from two out of three tests in Elwood have returned positive results for blue-green algae.

Technically a bacterium (cyanobacteria), blue-green algae can cause a variety of health problems in a variety of ways.

Ingesting it can cause intestinal problems, breathing problems, and skin rashes.

Individuals can protect themselves, their family, and their pets by avoiding contact with water containing visible amounts of blue-green algae.

If you come in contact with a blue-green algae bloom, you may experience eye, throat, nose or skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Symptoms typically appear a few hours after exposure, but occasionally people feel ill several days after exposure.

Contact a physician if you experience muscle cramps, respiratory difficulties, nausea or vomiting following contact with water that contains blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has more information on blue-green algae on its Web site here.  You can also find information on the web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.