High levels of bacteria have forced the World Expo in the Japanese city of Osaka to suspend daily water shows and the use of a shallow play pool, AFP reported.

Visitors complained that swarms of small flying insects had invaded the huge coastal area where Expo 2025 is being held until mid-October.

Since the exhibition opened in April, nearly six million people have visited exhibits from more than 160 countries, regions and organisations.

Although public opinion polls showed that public enthusiasm for the exhibition was low before it opened, organisers say that visitor numbers have been increasing, especially in recent weeks. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental conditions on the reclaimed island in Osaka Bay, which was once a landfill site.

Organisers confirmed that high levels of Legionella bacteria had forced them to close a shallow water area where visitors, including children, had previously been able to cool off. | BGNES