The critter responsible for causing the annoying temporary rash is a flatworm with a complex life cycle. “These parasites grab onto people,” said the DNR’s Shane McBride. Other public swimming areas affected by the early outbreak include Coon Lake in Anoka County and Lakeside Beach in Forest Lake, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported.Ī close-up look at the culprit, schistosomal cercariae.
The district recently reopened a swimming beach at French Regional Park after treating the water for the second time this season because of reports of swimmer's itch. 'With the ice going off the lakes earlier this year, everything seems to be ahead of schedule,' said Brian Vlach, water resources supervisor for the Three Rivers Park District. The warmer water temperatures jump-started the growing season for lake vegetation - food sources for the parasites and their hosts, namely ducks, geese and snails. Swimmer's itch - also known as 'duck itch' or 'lake itch' - is plaguing lake-goers earlier than usual this year thanks to an early spring. Microscopic parasites lurking in lake water are out in full force now, capable of causing a skin rash that's itchy, scratchy and just plain ugly. You can't see them when you step out of the water after a swim, but boy, can you feel them later.
