News Release
For immediate release
July 15, 2010
Algoma Public Health has received calls from swimmers complaining of an itchy rash after swimming at various local area beaches.
Swimmer’s Itch (schistosomiasis) is caused by minute larvae in the water that can come from snails and birds. When a swimmer emerges from the water, the larvae are present in the water on your skin. As the water on the skin evaporates, the larvae quickly burrow into the skin, causing an itchy rash. Once in the skin, the larvae can no longer live. The skin’s reaction to the larvae results in discomfort.
Symptoms of swimmer's itch may include:
• tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
• small reddish pimples
• small blisters
Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away. Be careful not to scratch the rash as this can lead to infections. Swimmer's itch is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.
To reduce the likelihood of developing swimmer's itch, Algoma Public Health recommends:
1. Do not swim in areas where swimmer's itch is a known problem.
2. Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
3. Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
4. Do not attract birds (e.g. by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.
Algoma Public Health does not test the water for the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch but will continue to sample the water weekly for E.coli bacteria. For more information on swimmer’s itch and beach safety please click
here.
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Media contact only:
Kara Flannigan
Public Health Inspector
Algoma Public Health
705-541-7123
ID# 07-44