|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 3, 2002
| Contact: |
Darrell Cochran, Senior Environmental Health Specialist, 360-786-3355
ext. 7524 |
|
Dr. Diana Yu, Thurston County Health Officer, 360-786-5581 |
|
Art Starry, Director, Thurston County Environmental Health,
360-786-5456 |
Waterborne
“Bug” Could Mean Itchy and Scratchy Swimmers
OLYMPIA – It’s officially known as cercarial dermatitis
(SIR care ee ul derm a TITE us) but it’s more commonly known as
“swimmer’s itch”. With summer weather upon us, more lake and pond users in
Thurston County run the risk of contracting this unpleasant ailment.
Swimmer’s itch is not a severe health threat but it can be unpleasant
when it strikes. Within
minutes and up to a few days after contact with infested waters, the
victim will begin to experience tingling, burning or itchy sensations on
the skin, primarily on the lower extremities.
A reddish rash can appear on the skin and the itching can last up
to a week or more. The
ailment will eventually fade and usually does not require a doctor’s
care.
Swimmer’s itch is typically caused when a parasite is transmitted from
waterfowl to a certain type of aquatic snail.
The snail in turn releases tiny larvae that can give humans
cercarial dermatitis. Aside
from causing the itching and burning on the skin, the larvae die fairly
quickly.
Thurston County Health Officer, Doctor Diana Yu, says there are some
ways to avoid swimmer’s itch. “One
of the best ways to avoid the problem is to shower immediately after
coming out of the water. If
that is not possible, the next best thing is to remove the swimsuit and
vigorously dry off with a towel. If
you get the rash you can apply cool compresses for relief.
You may also apply an anti-itch lotion.”
Doctor Yu also says you should try to avoid scratching the affected
areas. “Scratching does not
solve the problem and you run the risk of causing infection if the skin is
scratched too hard.”
Other steps to help avoid swimmer’s itch include-
·
Not
swimming in areas where swimmers itch is known to be a problem.
·
Applying
a waterproof sunscreen on the exposed parts of your legs, arms and trunk
before wading or swimming.
·
Not
swimming or wading in marshy areas where the snails are more commonly
found.
·
Helping
young kids to shower or towel dry after swimming or wading.
Children are more apt to be in shallow water, where the larvae are
more concentrated.
·
Not
feeding waterfowl, especially in or near the wading or swimming areas. The presence of ducks or geese in the areas increases the
chance of the parasite being in the water.
Those with questions about swimmer’s itch can
call 360-754-3355 ext. 7386 for more information.
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