The Health Authority warns of the presence of toxic algae in the region’s rivers

The statement was published on Friday and set off alarm bells in the municipal council of Mortagua, which has a body of water covering more than 2,000 hectares, namely Albufeira da Paragem da Aguera. The coordinating health representative of ULS Coimbra announced that the presence and spread of cyanobacteria in large quantities have been observed in the Mondego River, the Dao River, Albufeira da Paragem da Aguera and even in Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Ribeira.
The statement stated, “These algae represent potential toxicity when in contact with the skin or when inhaled, and may cause allergic symptoms similar to ‘hay fever,’ with rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and shortness of breath, and may also lead to inflammatory skin reactions.”
The health coordinator also pointed out that cyanobacteria, if ingested, “can cause severe poisoning that may lead to gastroenteritis with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, etc.”
To this extent, and with all these elements in place, the health authority confirms that “it is absolutely not recommended to practice any recreational activities and water sports, swimming, bathing, diving, as well as fishing activities, as long as this situation continues.” .
Realizing the powerful pull of waterways, especially when the high temperatures we are experiencing are recorded, the Municipality of Mortagua was quick to publish the statement on its website and social networks.
A source from the local authority said that this situation “does not concern the city council, but rather the health authorities, and they must intervene.” “What we could have done, and have already done, is to warn residents in a timely manner not to use the rivers, especially on very hot weekends, for the sake of prevention and guarantees,” he says.
The same source confirmed that it “fulfilled its commitment” regarding prevention, but now “the authorities will have to take the most urgent measures to resolve this situation,” which is not the responsibility of the municipality.|