BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) – Health alerts have been issued for two area southeast Nebraska lakes because of toxic blue-green algae blooms.
 
According to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, the lakes are Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County and Rockford Lake in Gage County.
 
The agency says testing showed the lakes have high levels of a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae. Skin exposed to the toxin can develop rashes and blisters, and drinking tainted water could cause headaches, nausea and muscle pain.
 
Signs are posted advising the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is warned to use caution and avoid exposure to the water.
 
Health alerts are lifted when toxin levels are below advisory concentration for two consecutive weeks.