Thurston County Public Health and Social Services’ (PHSS) Environmental Health Division issued an advisory stating the parasite known to cause swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Long Lake in Lacey and Clear Lake southwest of Yelm.
According to the PHSS’ advisory, multiple reports have been filed of individuals who swam in Long Lake who appear to have swimmer’s itch and two individuals who swam in Clear Lake have reported having it.
Swimmer’s itch — also known as cercarial dermatitis — is caused when microscopic, parasitic larvae, called cercariae, burrow into a swimmers’ skin, causing an allergic reaction and rash. The parasites are released from infected snails or birds into both fresh and salt water, and if a parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it will burrow into their skin.
Symptoms include tingling, burning or itching of the skin. The parasite does not cause long-term effects. Additionally, the parasite appears more frequently during the summer months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. Over-the-counter systemic and topical antihistamines can be used to treat symptoms.
To reduce chances of getting swimmer’s itch, be sure to:
• Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch has been reported or signs are posted warning of unsafe water.
• Avoid swimming or wading in marshes where snails are commonly found.
• Towel-dry or shower immediately after leaving a body of water.
• Apply water-proof sunscreen to your body before swimming to provide not only UV protection but also reduce the ability of a parasite to attach to your skin.
• Avoid attracting birds, especially by feeding them, to areas where people swim.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/index.html.
