• The Ostreopsis microalgae first appeared on the Basque coast in August 2021.

  • If it has not reappeared since, the prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques is however taking precautions a few days before the return of the summer period.

  • It broadcasts this Monday a series of recommendations in the event of the presence of this microalgae on the coast.

It had been the cause of various respiratory and skin symptoms in swimmers and walkers on the Basque coast in August 2021. Although it has not reappeared since, the

Ostreopsis

microalgae is the subject of particular attention.

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture is issuing a series of recommendations on Monday, a few days before the summer period.

"Invisible to the naked eye, the presence of

Ostreopsis

sometimes results in a metallic taste of the water" she indicates, and, "when their concentration is high, these microalgae can appear in the form of brown matter gelatinous on the surface or in deposits on the rocks and on the macroalgae”.

Toxins that can disperse in sea spray

If

Ostreopsis

is present , exposed individuals "may experience flu-like/irritant or skin-like symptoms that are generally mild in severity (cough, sore throat, runny nose and eyes, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, fever, tremors , muscle aches, headaches, nausea…).

These symptoms appear within six hours of exposure and usually disappear within 3 to 4 days without complications.

»

Because of the toxins it produces, this microalgae can affect the health of swimmers, but also walkers, or professionals working near beaches.

“These toxins can disperse in the spray and affect people (by inhalation), even if they do not bathe” specifies the prefecture.

Monitoring of microalgae set up

In case of high concentration of microalgae, it is recommended to take a shower (hair and body) after swimming.

“Fragile people (with a history of ENT, lung disease, allergies, cardiovascular disease, etc.) should not frequent the beach and its surroundings.

» A doctor should be consulted promptly if any unusual symptoms appear, or contact the poison control centre.

Finally, the prefecture recalls that monitoring of this microalgae, which was not known on the Basque coast before the summer of 2021, has been set up with Ifremer.

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  • Health

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  • Bayonne

  • Pays Basque

  • Aquitaine