Good water quality at nearly all of Berlin's swimming spots

At Schlachtensee, among other places, the risk of cercariae spreading is currently elevated. (File photo)

According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), all official swimming spots in Berlin are suitable for swimming. On its list of 39 swimming spots, the water quality is rated "green." The water temperature at most of these spots is over 20 degrees.

However, at some swimming spots, the temperature increases the risk of cercariae being released into the water. These are one-millimeter-long larvae of flukes that normally live in the internal organs of waterfowl and enter the water through bird droppings. Swimmers can become infected as accidental hosts, according to Lageso. In susceptible individuals, skin irritation can occur within a few hours. A condition known as "swimmer's dermatitis" causes hives and papules - small raised bumps on the skin - that are extremely itchy and can last up to three weeks.

Risk of cercariae is elevated in these Berlin lakes

According to the Lageso website, at the Strandbad Wannsee, Strandbad Friedrichshagen, Krumme Lanke, Kleiner Müggelsee, Strandbad Müggelsee and Schlachtensee, the risk of cercariae being released into the water is temporarily elevated when the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees. Children, in particular, should avoid spending long periods of time in shallow water. After swimming, you should also rub your skin vigorously with a towel and remove wet swimwear.

Blue-green algae in Tegeler See

According to Lageso, toxin-producing cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) associated with aquatic plants are present in Tegeler See. Therefore, clusters of aquatic plants along the shore should be avoided.