Alarm raised at popular world beaches: toxic bacteria discovered

A massive spread of toxic blue-green algae has been recorded at Baltic Sea resorts and lakes in northern Germany due to the prolonged heatwave that has engulfed the region.

According to DPA, swimming bans have already been imposed at some resorts in response to the situation.

Satellite images captured extensive algae accumulations along the coast between Rostock and the island of Hiddensee. The contamination zones stretched across the entire inland sea waters all the way to the Danish shores.

In the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, authorities imposed a complete swimming ban in freshwater lakes of the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district, including Bordesholmer, Brahmsee, and Dörpsee.

Additionally, warnings about unsafe swimming conditions were issued for several beaches along the Baltic coast in the Ostholstein district. The Ministry of Health of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania limited itself to recommendations to avoid water in areas with visible algae accumulations, which can be identified by blue-green turbidity and an oily slick.

This applies to the coastline near Rostock-Warnemünde, Kühlungsborn, Heiligendamm, and Wohlenberger Wiek near Wismar, as well as rivers and lakes of the Mecklenburg Lake Plateau.

The state health authority explained that the algae, which are cyanobacteria, release dangerous toxins. Direct contact with them triggers acute allergic reactions, irritation of mucous membranes, and skin.

Accidental ingestion of the water can cause bouts of nausea and vomiting. The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of one of the most intense heatwaves in Europe in recent years, which has hit Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece the hardest.