Germany All-clear at Lake Garda - water drinkable again

The all-clear at Lake Garda: according to the Italian authorities, the danger of further gastrointestinal illnesses caused by the norovirus has been averted.

In the municipality of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore of Italy's largest lake, tap water can now be drunk again. Mayor Stefano Nicotra lifted a corresponding ban that he had issued due to more than 1000 locals and holidaymakers falling ill.

However, the exact cause of the virus outbreak is still unclear. However, according to the authorities, several analyses have shown that the drinking water in the region currently contains no traces of the norovirus. Previously, more than 300 people had to be treated in hospital with symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and fever. Others had to repeatedly go to the toilet or to the doctor.

In the region, which is very popular with holidaymakers, the outbreak had triggered concerns that tourism could be severely damaged during the peak season. The local authorities tried to allay the fears of holidaymakers: The mayor of the Lake Garda community of Brenzone, Paolo Formaggioni, even drank a glass of water straight from the lake. He then wished everyone "cheers".

Due to the illnesses, the municipality of Torri del Benaco had issued a decree at the weekend that tap water could no longer be drunk. It was recommended to buy water in the supermarket. Italian newspapers speculate that the outbreak could be related to the current very high water level of Lake Garda after heavy rainfall. It is possible that the sewage system is overloaded. There has been no official confirmation of this.

The highly contagious norovirus causes a sudden onset of severe diarrhea. The symptoms usually subside after half a day to two days.