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- French authorities warn tourists not to drink water from mountain rivers.
- This happened after several sick tourists had to be taken to clinics by helicopter.
In the Pyrenees, two groups of tourists totaling nine people who drank water from streams and lakes were taken to a clinic in Tarbes with massive vomiting and diarrhea, the Sud-Ouest newspaper reported. The day before, two more tourists were injured. The head of the local mountain rescue service, Sebastian Abbadie, told broadcaster Ici: “We have missions every day.” In 2025, more than 50 accidents occurred after drinking mountain water.
Legend:
According to Sebastian Abba, you should avoid drinking natural water on the go to avoid hidden risks.
WHAT/BARBARA GINDLE
Causes could include animal feces and human waste entering the waters. Instead, tourists should use safe water sources such as tap water or bottled water.
Warning about filter bottles
Rescuers say bottle filters are becoming increasingly popular. But this would not be enough to purify water from mountain streams or rivers. Filter bottles should only be used in emergency situations, it said.