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2018 Swimmer's Itch….Preventable

Swimmer's itch is a dermatitis that is caused by a parasite that can be present in freshwater bodies of water. Round Lakes have a potential for this parasite and there have been cases reported by Round Lake residents. They main culprit for this parasite entering our lakes are waterfowl (ducks and geese). Basically the waterfowl become infected by this parasite and they pass the parasite into the lake by depositing their feces. When someone swims in a contaminated area the parasite attaches to the swimmer and this causes a dermatitis that causes red bumps on the affected area. Although ducks and geese are beautiful animals, we do not want them in our lakes due to their possible transmission of this parasite.

How can you help to lessen or prevent the possibility of this parasite in our lakes? Don’t feed ducks or geese around Round Lakes. Feeding ducks or geese will cause waterfowl to stay in the area and increase the potential to infect our lakes.

Swimmer itch is not a serious medical condition, but it can be a nuisance that will prevent all of us from enjoying activities like swimming, water skiing, etc.

For more information, see the CDC Website.