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Toxic algae alert

Rome: Holidaymakers have been advised not to bathe along two stretches of the Italian coastline because of the invasion of Ostreopsis ovata, algae that release neurotoxins into the air. People who come into direct contact with it can suffer respiratory problems or skin irritations. Swimming has been banned at beaches near the northern city of Genoa after a 60-year-old man was taken to hospital on Friday. Subsequent tests showed it was the same type of algae that caused 200 persons in the Genoa area to seek hospital treatment last year. The Italian Health Ministry said the algae did not represent a big health danger but that the bans were for the good of swimmers. —

© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

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