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Journal Star.com - writes: By The Associated PressFriday, Aug 29, 2008 - 01:44:16 pm CDTThe state of Nebraska has added Pawnee Reservoir in Lancaster County to its health alert list for toxin from blue-green algae.

The alert announced Friday brings the total to four.

Alerts continue for Iron Horse Trail Lake and Kirkman’s Cove Reservoir in Pawnee County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County.The state plans to monitor 47 lakes through September.

People can still camp, fish and boat on lakes under the alerts but should not have full-body contact.

The algae, which scientists say are plantlike bacteria, are common in freshwater. Some types can produce dangerous toxins.

Drinking toxin-tainted water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure and, rarely, death.

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