The public health delegate of the local health department (ULS), Viseu Dao-Lafoes, advised against any water sports at the river beach of Ferreiros do Dao in Tondela due to the “proliferation and high quantity” of cyanobacteria in the Dao River.
“These algae are potentially toxic through skin contact or inhalation and can cause allergic-type symptoms similar to ‘hay fever’ with rhinitis, conjunctivitis and wheezing, which can cause inflammatory reactions on the skin.”
The information from the Public Health Delegate, Ana Margarida Almeida, was published today in a statement sent by the Municipal Council of Tondela, a municipality in the parish of Viseu where the river beach is located.
According to the document, “the existence and distribution of large quantities of cyanobacteria has been observed” in the Dao River, “especially in the recreation area of the Ferreiros do Dao watercourse.”
“If swallowed [das algas]can cause acute poisoning, which can lead to gastroenteritis with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and others,” the public health delegate clarified.
Therefore, “the practice of any kind of recreation and water sports, swimming, bathing and diving, as well as fishing, is strictly discouraged while the situation persists.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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