As a consequence of global warming, Ostreopsis ovata, a microscopic algae that usually lives in the warm waters of tropical seas, was discovered yesterday on the beaches of La Réserve in Nice.
First detected in temperate waters in 2003 in Greece and Spain, the toxic algae had been found on July 10 in Monaco and on July 24 in Villefranche before disappearing.
When the concentration of Ostreopsis ovata in seawater is high, it can cause health effects such as: cold, cough, fever, respiratory difficulties, and irritations of the mouth, throat, and eyes.
These symptoms, which appear 2 to 6 hours after exposure, generally subside within 24 to 48 hours after they appear.
As part of regular monitoring conducted by the DDASS and the Oceanographic Laboratory of Villefranche, the presence of Ostreopsis ovata was found at concentrations exceeding the information threshold (4,000 Ostreopsis cells/Liter) on the beach of La Réserve at the Port of Nice.
Since the threshold for banning swimming (30,000 cells/Liter) has not been exceeded, swimming is not prohibited, but the city of Nice recommends opting for the beaches in the center of Nice, where the concentration of Ostreopsis measured is zero. Nevertheless, in case of symptoms related to Ostreopsis ovata, it is recommended to contact 04 91 75 25 25.
New analyses will be carried out very soon to monitor the evolution of the presence of this tropical algae.
