(Spain) Toxic algae mystery deepens

http://www.costa-news.com/costa-almeria-news/item/5581-toxic-algae-mystery-deepens



• 90 people fall ill as two beaches remain closed • Chemical firm denies causing spill but admits to accident at the Villaricos plant

Toxic algae mystery deepens
Thursday, 02 July 2015 12:14
By Richard Torné

Two beaches in Palomares and Villaricos remain closed to the public this week in the aftermath of the recent toxic algae outbreak amid a steep rise in the number of people who have reportedly fallen ill.

The outbreak of toxic micro-algae (called ostreopsis) forced the closure of three beaches on June 23 – Quitapellejos in Palomares, Villaricos beach and Vera's El Playazo– after 50 people attended health centres with symptoms ranging from sneezing and headaches to fever.

The Junta de Andalucía additionally imposed a 50-metre shoreline ban, warning that the micro-algae could be inhaled close to the breakwater.

El Playazo beach was re-opened this week after the Junta gave the all-clear, but since the outbreak the number of people with symptoms has steadily risen to 90, with eight new reported cases on Sunday and Monday.