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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2009
Contact:
Sue
Davis, Environmental
Health Specialist, 360-754-4111
Take
precautions when swimming in lakes
OLYMPIA
- Every summer cases of
swimmer’s itch are reported to the Health Department. Swimmer’s itch is an
unpleasant, but avoidable condition which can occur after swimming in lakes.
The itch occurs when a microscopic parasite, that comes from the feces
of ducks and geese, burrows under the skin of a swimmer.
The parasite then dies and an allergic type of reaction develops which
causes intense itching and may cause a rash.
To prevent swimmer’s itch;
- Avoid
swimming in areas where ducks or geese are present
- Apply
a waterproof sunscreen - the coating can help prevent the parasite from
entering your skin.
- Shower
or vigorously towel-off immediately after leaving the water.
Most
cases of swimmer's itch do not require medical attention. If you have a rash,
you may try the following for relief:
·
Use corticosteroid cream
·
Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
·
Bathe in Epson salts or baking soda
·
Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths or use of lotions such as Aveeno
·
Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into
baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency)
·
Use an anti-itch lotion, such as Calamine lotion
Though
difficult, try not to scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become
infected. If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest
prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms.
Warm sunny days can also lead to algae blooms in local
lakes. Blue-green algae reproduce rapidly in fresh water when the amount of
sunlight, temperature and nutrients are just right. Within a few days a clear
lake can become cloudy with algae growth. This is called an algae bloom.
Blue-green algae blooms often float to the surface and form a scum that
can be several inches thick.
If you visit a lake and see a bright green color or thick
scum along the shore, avoid swimming in that area.
Some blue-green algae can produce toxins, which can cause illness in
humans and kill pets, fish, waterfowl and other animals.
Keep children, pets, and livestock away from the water.
Pets are the most susceptible because they both drink water and then
lick the scum off their fur or paws. Children are also vulnerable because they
may accidentally swallow water
while swimming. Get proper medical
or veterinary attention right away if you, your children or pets have signs of
poisoning such as weakness, staggering, difficulty in breathing, convulsions,
numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, dizziness, abdominal pain,
diarrhea or vomiting.
If the water at your beach looks bad, find a different
place to swim! There is no way to predict when, or if, an algae bloom will be
toxic. Only laboratory tests can determine if an
algae bloom is toxic, and
this testing only provides information on a single
sample at a particular moment of time.
For more information contact Thurston County
Public Health and Social Services Department at www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehadm/swimming/swimming_index.html
or (360) 754-4111, TDD line (360) 754-2933.
To report swimming–related illness call 360-754-3355, x6659.
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