An unwelcome sign was posted at a local lake recently celebrated as one of the best and most welcoming in the country. Elkhart Lake Police have notified water-lovers there that cases of so-called “Swimmer’s Itch” are showing up.
Swimmer’s Itch, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is a rash that’s not dangerous and can’t be passed person-to-person. It’s caused by microscopic parasites called Cercariae that are typically found in aquatic birds, but don’t survive in humans. Still, the presence of the microbes beneath the skin causes an allergic reaction that will typically last 2-5 days and can be treated with common anti-itch ointments.
The DHS says that you don’t necessarily have to stay out of the water, but you should limit your time in the lake and towel-dry as soon as you leave to remove the microbes before they burrow under the skin.
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