Thurston County well being officers concern warning after swimmer’s itch reported at Clear Lake

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Swimmers at Clear Lake are being urged to take precautions after a number of folks reported signs in line with swimmer’s itch, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services mentioned Wednesday.

The county mentioned the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch seems to be current in Clear Lake after receiving experiences from a number of people who swam there and “appear to have swimmer’s itch.” Health officers additionally warned that swimmers at any freshwater lake needs to be conscious the parasite could also be current and that steps might be taken to scale back the chance of an infection.

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, is a pores and skin rash brought on by an allergic response to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, in response to the county. The parasites are launched from contaminated snails into contemporary and salt water, together with lakes, ponds and oceans.

If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it could burrow into the pores and skin, triggering an allergic response and rash.

Health officers mentioned swimmer’s itch typically resolves by itself with out lasting well being results, however it may be uncomfortable. Symptoms can embrace tingling, burning or itching of the pores and skin.

The county suggested folks to not scratch affected areas as a result of it could result in a secondary an infection. For extreme itching, a well being care supplier might suggest prescription-strength lotions or lotions to assist relieve signs.

To cut back the probability of getting swimmer’s itch, the county recommends:

• Avoid swimming in areas the place swimmer’s itch is a recognized downside or the place warning indicators have been posted.

• Avoid swimming close to or wading in marshy areas the place snails are generally discovered.

• Towel dry or bathe instantly after leaving the water.

• Apply waterproof sunscreen earlier than getting into the water to guard from the solar and cut back the parasite’s capacity to connect to the pores and skin.

• Do not appeal to birds, akin to by feeding them, in areas the place persons are swimming.

Clear Lake was one of many two Thurston County lakes again in 2023 that additionally reported the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch.

More info on lake advisories and well being dangers, together with poisonous algae blooms, is offered at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/lake-alerts.