TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Nearly a dozen Kansas lakes remain under warnings or advisories for high levels of blue-green algae, meaning people and pets should avoid direct contact with the water.

Blue-green algae become a health concern when they bloom in massive amounts and release toxins that may cause rashes, vomiting, nausea and other symptoms. The extreme heat and drought over most of Kansas this summer caused abnormal levels of the toxin.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says warnings are now in place for Santa Fe Lake, Memorial Park Lake, Harvey County West Lake, August City Lake, Milford Lake, Logan Lake and Warnock Lake.

Advisories are posted for Dillon Park Lake as well as East Lake and Camp Hawk Lake in Harvey County, meaning boating may be safe but wading is discouraged.