(Spirit Lake)– The number of swimmer’s itch cases being reported in the Iowa Great Lakes is on the rise.
Mike Hawkins of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says there’s been an increase in the number of cases reported since early last week…when the first reports started coming in.
The rash associated with swimmer’s itch usually lasts between four and seven days. It can be treated with an over-the-counter antihistimine. If it persists longer than that, you should see a physician.
Hawkins says conditions have been ripe for the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch…ring worm. He says it transitions from birds to snails, and in between, the ring worm can find it’s way onto humans when they’re in infected water. The parasite burrows into the skin and dies, causing an allergic reaction.
Hawkins says most of the reports of swimmer’s itch he’s been getting are coming from Big Spirit and West Lake Okoboji.
Hawkins offers this advice for avoiding swimmer’s itch:
* Always towel off thoroughly after getting out of the lake and shower immediately if a shower is available
* Stay away from water in areas where the wind has been blowing in, causing debris to accumulate on the shoreline.
