Blue-green algae in the Pirk Reservoir — Authorities advise against swimming

The Vogtlandkreis Public Health Department strongly advises against swimming in the Pirk Reservoir due to blue-green algae. Water sports enthusiasts should also avoid the reservoir, the district administration announced.

Contact with blue-green algae can lead to skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Since this also applies to animals, they should be kept away from the reservoir as well. 

During the recent hot summer days, blue-green algae—actually cyanobacteria—have multiplied in large numbers in the reservoir. The Public Health Department is monitoring the situation.