![]() It became clear that continuing to attempt to control swimmer’s itch on a lake-wide basis is ineffectual and a waste of precious resources. This research revolutionized our scientific understanding of swimmer’s itch. New DNA research conducted from 2017 to 2019 identified additional parasite hosts, including the Canadian Goose and Mallard Duck. Despite these removal tactics, cases of swimmer’s itch and the number of Mergansers on Glen Lake actually increased. We then spent nearly three decades attempting to harass, trap, and relocate resident Common Mergansers which we believed were the only avian parasite hosts on the lake. Yet, the snails repopulated as the chemical treatment expired – about two hours after treatment. From the 1950’s to the 1980’s, we sought to eliminate snail hosts using copper sulfate treatment. Historically, the Glen Lake Association attempted to prevent swimmer’s itch by trying to break the lifecycle of the parasite host. By equipping Glen Lake residents and visitors with swimmer’s itch prevention strategies, we can arm the community against exposure. History of swimmer’s itch prevention tacticsĭecades of research have proven that the most effective defense against swimmer’s itch is prevention, rather than control. Because these larvae cannot develop inside a human, they soon die.” Although humans are not suitable hosts, the microscopic larvae burrow into the swimmer’s skin, and may cause an allergic reaction and rash. This larval form then swims about searching for a suitable host (bird, muskrat) to continue the lifecycle. Infected snails release a different type of microscopic larvae (or cercariae, hence the name cercarial dermatitis) into the water. If the larvae find one of these snails, they infect the snail, multiply and undergo further development. These larvae swim in the water in search of a certain species of aquatic snail. If the eggs land in or are washed into the water, the eggs hatch, releasing small, free-swimming microscopic larvae. ![]() The parasites produce eggs that are passed in the feces of infected birds or mammals “The adult parasite lives in the blood of infected animals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, and certain mammals such as muskrats and raccoons. Q: How does water become infested with the parasite?Ī: Glen Lake is the home of three bird species currently known to be parasite hosts: Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese, and Common Merganser. Though difficult, try not to scratch, as scratching may cause the rash to become infected. If you have a rash, standard anti-itch treatments may be utilized to relieve the affected areas. Q: Do I need to see my health care provider for treatment?Ī: Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention. – Source: CDC*Ī: Swimmer’s itch is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another. Also, they are less likely to towel dry themselves when leaving the water. Children are most often affected because they tend to swim, wade, and play in the shallow water more than adults. Larvae are more likely to be present in shallow water by the shoreline. Source: CDC*Ī: Anyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Small reddish pimples appear within twelve hours. Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch?Ī: Symptoms of swimmer’s itch may include: tingling, burning, or itching of the skin small reddish pimples or small blisters.
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