Community in Italy - Water in Lake Garda contaminated with norovirus - authorities give the all-clear
Toilette, Doctor and Hospital instead of Holiday Allowance: A severe outbreak of Norovirus is making life difficult for locals and tourists at Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda. Hundreds of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses have been reported around the picturesque town of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Many people have been admitted to the hospital with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
The danger is now estimated to be under control by the Italian authorities. In Torri del Benaco, the drinking water can be consumed again. Mayor Stefano Nicotra lifted the corresponding ban, which he had issued due to the illness of over 1000 locals and tourists.
Unclear cause of the outbreak
The exact cause of the virus outbreak is still unknown. According to officials, no traces of the Norovirus have been detected in the water supply in the region. Previously, over 300 people had to be treated in the hospital with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Others had to visit the toilet or the doctor frequently.
The outbreak caused concern among tourists in the popular region, including Germans, that tourism could suffer heavily in the peak season. Local officials are trying to allay the fears of tourists: The mayor of the Lake Garda municipality of Brenzone, Paolo Formaggioni, even drank a glass of water directly from the lake and said "Cheers".
Speculation about Noroviruses in Lake Garda
Due to the illnesses, the town of Torri del Benaco issued a regulation over the weekend that no tap water could be drunk. It was recommended to buy water in the supermarket. In Italian newspapers, it is being speculated that the outbreak could be related to the currently very high water level of Lake Garda due to heavy rainfall. It is possible that the sewage system is overloaded. There was no confirmation from official sources.
The highly contagious Norovirus causes a sudden, violent onset of vomiting. The symptoms usually subside after half a day to two days.
Despite the lifting of the water consumption ban, some visitors to Torri del Benaco may still choose to err on the side of caution and purchase bottled water from local supermarkets, given the recent Norovirus outbreak at Lake Garda. This outbreak, which affected both locals and tourists, saw many seeking medical attention at Italian hospitals, such as those in the nearby town of Riva del Garda.
