ROME - 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 on 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.
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
