Hundreds in hospital after norovirus outbreak at Lake Garda

The Italian municipality of Torri del Benaco is battling the norovirus. More than 300 holidaymakers and locals have already had to be hospitalized. The cause of the outbreak could be the high water level in Lake Garda.

After a norovirus outbreak on Lake Garda, more than 300 people have been hospitalized with symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and fever. In total, more than 900 cases of gastrointestinal diseases have been registered around the municipality of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore.

It is suspected that the virus is spreading through drinking water. The local authorities have now issued a decree that tap water may no longer be drunk. It is recommended that people buy water from the supermarket. In addition, helpers are distributing free water that is safe.

High water level in Lake Garda as the cause?

Italian newspapers are speculating that the outbreak could be related to the currently very high water level in Lake Garda following the heavy rainfall of the past few weeks. The sewage system may be overloaded. Another hypothesis is that an aqueduct may have been contaminated by feces from the lake.

There has been no official confirmation of such suspicions so far. The local administration is still trying to clarify how the virus is spreading. Traces were found in the drinking water on Friday. However, according to the responsible utility company Azienda Gardesana Servizi (AGS), more recent tests have produced negative results.

Tap water should not be used

However, the all-clear has not yet been given. Mayor Stefano Nicotra continues to recommend: “Do not use tap water for personal or alimentary purposes” – that is, not for cooking or cleaning food. The municipality actually has only 3,000 inhabitants. However, with the start of the summer season, there are also many holidaymakers.

The highly contagious norovirus causes sudden, severe vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms usually subside after half a day to two days. The virus can be transmitted not only through contaminated water, but also through food. However, there is no evidence of this in Torri del Benaco so far.