Brescia Health Authorities Monitor Algae and Cyanobacteria Risks on Lake Garda

The proliferation of algae in the lake causes unpleasant consequences; last year, it was evident when the lakeside in Peschiera was literally invaded by these plants, which reproduced excessively.

However, freshwater waters infested with algae can also hide dangerous and invisible threats to health: Cyanobacteria. These toxic microorganisms can provoke acute effects such as dermatitis if contact with water is only external.

But if the water is accidentally ingested during bathing or feeds into the water supply, and is thus used for food purposes, algal toxins can cause gastroenteritis and other significant chronic diseases.

It should also be considered that over 63 percent of the fish consumed in our country comes from freshwater sources. This therefore represents a health issue that, especially on Lake Garda, must not be underestimated, even though no serious cases have been recorded so far.

Monitoring and Prevention Initiatives

Meanwhile, on the Lombard shore, the Azienda Sanitaria di Brescia, through the Public Health Laboratory of the Prevention Department and in collaboration with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, has activated a specific algae monitoring service.

Regarding this issue, Brescia health authorities, who are monitoring the proliferation of cyanobacteria, have organized a conference scheduled for Friday, May 4th, at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Sirmione; the activities carried out, the data collected so far, and the new programs of the Brescia laboratory will be presented. Each year, the lab performs approximately 2,000 checks to identify toxins produced by algae.