Swimmer's itch is something that all outdoor swimmers need to be aware of at this time of year, said a recent social media posting by Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD).
This is especially the case as hot weather drives more people to cool off in local lakes and rivers.
The posting on Twitter (now X.com) this week by the health unit said almost anyone who swims in outdoor bodies of water is at risk of getting swimmer's itch.
Swimmer's itch is caused by a tiny wormlike parasite that can burrow into a swimmer's skin and create an allergic reaction that shows up a skin rash.
The health unit posting included a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (CDC) which explained how the parasites are introduced into the water.
"These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and saltwater (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). While the parasite’s preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. Swimmer’s itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months," said the website.
"Because swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmer’s itch will be."
The public health posting advised that an immediate shower or towelling off as you leave the water is one of the best remedies against being infected.
Other advice is to not swim in marshy areas where snails can be found, not to swim in areas where birds commonly feed and not to swim in areas posted as having unsafe water.
