Thurston Co. warns of possible parasites causing swimmer’s itch at area lake
A parasite causing swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Ward Lake, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services reported Wednesday evening.
An individual who swam at Ward Lake, who appears to have swimmer’s itch, notified public health authorities.
Swimmers at any freshwater lake in the area should be aware that the parasite may be present and there are ways to avoid infection.
Ward Lake sits around 4 miles southeast of Olympia’s city center.
Swimmer’s itch is a temporary, non-contagious skin rash caused by microscopic parasites burrowing into the skin of birds or mammals, including community swimmers. The parasites are released from infected snails into fresh water and salt water. Found globally, swimmer’s itch is most common during summer months.
Symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin with small, reddish pimples and small blisters. Those infected may notice tingling sensations beginning within the minutes to days following swimming in infected water. Pimples appear in the 12 hours after swimming, which may develop into blisters.
Anyone who swims or wades in infected water may be at risk. Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention.
Steps to reduce risk of developing swimmer’s itch include: avoid water where swimmer’s itch is a known problem, avoid swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails are common, towel dry or shower immediately after exiting the water and do not attract birds to swimming areas.
More information about swimmer’s itch is available at the CDC’s website.
This is a developing story.