The Ministry of Health, referring to the issue of water turning green or “blooming” due to the spread of blue-green algae in some coastal areas of Lake Sevan, urges citizens to refrain from swimming in such places.

As reported by the RA Ministry of Health, cyanobacter or blue-green algae are found all over the world, especially in non-flowing, nutrient-rich waters. Some of these species produce poisons (toxins) that have a negative impact on the health of animals and people, and people can be exposed to them by drinking, swimming in, or accidentally swallowing the “blooming” water.

Swimming in such water may cause the following symptoms: asthma, eye irritation, rash, particularly around the mouth and nose, skin irritation, allergic reaction. If you swallow water carelessly, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, lumps in the mouth, liver problems.

In order to avoid such health problems, the Ministry of Health urges:

1. do not swim in green or “flowery” water,
2. prohibit children from swimming in unauthorized areas,
3. In case of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.