Because our lake as pure waters, it also welcome animals...even those we do not want...
Swimmer’s itch, also known as lake itch, duck itch, cercarial dermatitis and schistosome cercarial dermatitis is a short-term immune reaction occurring in the skin of humans that have been infected by water-borne schistosomatidae. Symptoms, which include itchy, raised papules, commonly occur within hours of infection and do not generally last more than a week.
Depending on the temperature, it starts in June until August. The parasite will get confused and will mistake you with a duck. They will not survive on human so that is why the itching will start where the flea tried to get in...You can not see them with your eyes...They are not dangerous but can be annoying...
The best way to protect yourself after a swim is to use the showers on public beach, in order to rinse your skin and get rid of them...or if no showers available, dry your skin carefully...
Swim in deep water, the nasty parasite love hot water...
Avoid giving food to the ducks as they will stay on the beach...
If you think you have the swimmer's itch, put some ice on it and visit a "pharmacie" in town and they will give you something.
Every spring the city is trying to get rid of it by cleaning the deep water of the lake, the parasite needs the duck and the freshwater snails. And we do love our ducks so they are trying to get rid of the snails (we only like them with garlic butter!!!).
Do not be scared to go swimming just be careful!!!!
