(KNZA)--A public health advisory for a local lake has been upgraded due to the presence blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment in a news release Thursday said the Atchison County Lake has been upgraded from " watch" to " warning" status.

Also under warnings are the Hiawatha City Lake and Holton's Elk Horn Lake.

14 lakes in the state are currently under public health warnings, while nine are under watches.

For lakes under warnings, direct contact with the water should be avoided.

Fish may be eaten if rinsed with clean water.  However, only the fillet portion should be consumed and all other parts discarded.