Island County Public Health receives report of swimmer’s itch in an individual who recently swam at Deer Lake on Whidbey Island.
Swimmer’s itch, or cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash caused by a parasite released from snails that burrow into the skin. Most cases do not require medical attention and symptoms can be treated using over-the-counter remedies. Swimmer’s itch is not contagious.
To reduce your risk, avoid swimming in places where swimmer’s itch is a known problem, towel yourself dry or shower immediately upon leaving the water, and do not attract birds to swimming areas.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/faqs.html