They are investigating a strange bacteria that forced the closure of a beach in Punta del Este

On Wednesday, Punta del Este's health authorities banned tourists from swimming in La Mansa. The reason: the beach was invaded by green algae, called cyanobacteria, which can seriously affect health.

The sanitary flag, red with a green cross, which floated on the guard house of the beach of La Mansa, surprised all tourists. Although the measure was lifted on Thursday, the authorities asked for maximum caution.

The director of the environment of the municipality of Maldonado, Betty Molina, explained that the lifting of the measure is not final. "We will continue to monitor the waters constantly because, as it always is the case green dots in the Río de la Plata, in different parts (…) they could move and arrive again ".

Molina explained that the reduction of green algae on Thursday was due to a change in climate. "A current of cold arrives from the south and modifies the conditions of the water, which ceases to be favorable to the development of these cyanobacteria which they breed in high temperature waters"He stated in statements to Clarin.

Finally, the authorities urged tourists not to enter the water where there are fluorescent green dots. In addition, they warned that in case of unusual symptoms after a visit to the beach, such as inflammation of the skin, allergies, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, go to a doctor immediately.