In recent years, Torri del Benaco, a popular Italian tourist destination located on Lake Garda, has been grappling with a significant outbreak of the norovirus. Reports from Italian media suggest that more than half of the town’s 3,000 residents have been affected by the virus, with over 300 people requiring hospitalization. Unfortunately, this is precisely what is happening in the town during the summer holidays when tourists flock to the area.
Mayor Stefano Nicotra has taken precautions to prevent further complications caused by the virus. He has prohibited residents and tourists from using tap water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. It is believed that the virus primarily spread through contaminated water supply but food could also be a source. The high water levels of Lake Garda have put pressure on the sewage system, leading to contaminated water entering the lake.
To address this issue, safe drinking water is being delivered from neighboring areas via large trucks to prevent any further complications. The city services are treating all water pipes with chlorine to eliminate bacteria and viruses. The hope is that this treatment will alleviate some of the problems introduced by the outbreak and decrease rainfall to lower Lake Garda’s water level will help as well. This is the highest water levels in Lake Garda have been since 1977.
