Rome, Jul 19 (Prensa Latina) Over 15 kilometers of beaches near Genoa, north of Italy, will close until Thursday because of an accumulation of an infectious tropical seaweed that hospitalized more than a hundred people, said Genoese City Hall.


Genoa Mayor Giuseppe Pericu ordered a three day swimming ban in Liguria province due to a toxic infection caused by the microscopic algae Ostreopsis-Ovata.



115 swimmers were hospitalized in San Martino, Galliera and Caslini hospitals with high fevers, breathing problems and increased white blood counts.



Experts said the algae originated in tropical seas but has been in the Mediterranean Sea since a year ago, due to an increase in its water temperature.



They also stated the Genoa coast is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, basic elements required for the multiplication of that species.



Giancarlo Cassini, Liguria Regional Fishing advisor, on Tuesday downplayed fears that that fish and shellfish have also been poisoned, however he advised people to clean and cook it well before eating.