Several beaches closed due to the presence of the algae Ostreopsis ovata



Several beaches on the Basque coast have been closed in recent hours due to the presence of algae, Ostreopsis ovata. The city of Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantique) thus announced this Monday morning “to close swimming” on its beaches, because of this algae “propagated on the Basque coast following the recent rains. This is also the case for the beaches of Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Ostreopsis ovata had already been observed in recent years in the Mediterranean.

“This foul-smelling algae can cause skin reactions and a flu-like condition,” continues the municipality. People with these symptoms are advised to consult a general practitioner. “Dr. Guillaume Barucq, doctor and elected opposition member in Biarritz, specifies that these respiratory symptoms (cold, cough sometimes fever and fatigue) described by many surfers,” can mimic those of a Covid “and expects a “Complicated start to the week for general practitioners. “

ARS analyzes

the surfrider site, which has been monitoring the progression of this algae, which is also harmful to the environment, for about ten years, specifies that Ostreopsis ovata “Produces a toxin, palytoxin which, when the microalgae gains the surface, diffuses into the air and can cause inconvenience: colds, coughs, fever, respiratory problems, which usually diminish within 24 to 48 hours without complications. However, these symptoms can intensify and should be watched for. “

It is a ‘unicellular microscopic algae which usually lives in the warm waters of tropical seas, complete the Ramoge water management and protection site (maritime areas of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region). The transport by ballast water of ships and very favorable climatic conditions have allowed this microalgae to develop in our latitudes. Thus, for several years this alga has been observed throughout the north-western part of the Mediterranean and in some cases toxicity to humans has been observed. Those affected have not necessarily been in direct contact with water; it is enough to inhale the droplets carried by the wind for the symptoms to appear. “

The ARS (regional health agency) of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is currently carrying out analyzes. A meeting with the cities concerned is planned to decide what to do next. We should know more this Monday in the day.



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