Holiday warning as lung-busting toxic algae swamps resorts infecting beachgoers

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned toxic lung-busting algae is swamping tourist resorts.

The scorching summer has prompted a surge in growth of the seaweed – which has already made hundreds of beachgoers ill in France and Spain.

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Recent rising temperatures have led to blooms of a poisonous microalgae called Ostreopsis, which can give off crippling toxins.

Medics say it can cause severe flu-like symptoms and affects victims’ respiratory systems.

French health officials raised the alarm on the creeping menace when they reported an outbreak of the algae in Biarritz, southwest France.

The country’s National Health Security Agency said swimmers, surfers and other beach users had reported nausea, fatigue and infected eyes.

It has recorded nearly 1,000 infections in the region since 2021.

And experts say the algae can now be found on almost all Spanish beaches both in the water and clinging to rocks and even sand.

Local media reported it has infected sea fauna leading to huge numbers of deaths.

The microalgae produces toxins that are left in the air and – if breathed in – create health problems.

A recent report warned even breathing in the sea spray from several metres away from the water can be enough to cause illness.

And infection can also occur through skin contact and ingestion.

Symptoms typically surface within hours of direct or indirect contact with the algae and tend to disappear within a matter of days.

Algae expert Dr Elisa Berdalet – from the Sea Science Institute in Spain – told local media the spread of the algae had been caused by warmer sea temperatures and increased marine traffic.

France’s Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health And Safety (ANSES) say holidaymakers should be warned of outbreaks and local officials could ban beach use during peak infection times in the summer.

ANSES spokeswoman Carole Catastini, said: “People with breathing problems have more risks of having symptoms.

“They have to avoid the coast when there is a blooming of Ostreopsis.”

It comes after holidaymakers were warned to avoid a popular destination last month after toxic algae was detected in the water.

Authorities urged tourists to stay clear of the area after unusual algae was found in a beach in Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands.