Italy shuts beach after toxic algae surfaces

ROME (Reuters) – Environmental experts have closed a
stretch of beach near the northern Italian city of Genoa after
toxic algae poisoned dozens of bathers, an official said on
Tuesday.

Around 80 people needed hospital attention Sunday and
Monday because of the microscopic algae, identified as
Ostreopsis ovata, which is usually found in the tropics.

No one was reported to be seriously ill, but experts said
the 6-km (3.7-mile) stretch of Ligurian coastline would remain
closed until Wednesday to allow time for further tests.

“It is the first time we have seen such an anomalous
concentration of this algae in Liguria,” said Federico Grasso,
a spokesman for the regional environmental protection agency.

“It has been very hot recently and the sea has been very
calm, which probably encouraged this phenomenon.”

People who come into contact with the algae can suffer
fever, nausea and coughing fits.