Seeking relief from the heat, we are drawn to the river or lake. Unfortunately, not every body of water is suitable for swimming: the bottom may be overgrown with algae, contain molluscs, or be a nesting site for waterfowl.
Seeking relief from the heat, we are drawn to the river or lake. Unfortunately, not every body of water is suitable for swimming: the bottom may be overgrown with algae, contain molluscs, or be a nesting site for waterfowl.
After swimming in such water bodies, a person may develop a toxic-allergic disease – cercariasis, or "swimmer's itch". The causative agent of this disease is microscopic larvae of waterfowl helminths, which parasitize the intermediate hosts – freshwater pond snails. The larvae move freely in the water and thus enter the body of the definitive hosts – ducks and gulls, or can enter an accidental host – a human who was in the water. They die quickly in the human body but manage to cause an allergic reaction.
Typically, 10-15 minutes after swimming in water contaminated with cercariae, the skin in the areas where the helminth larvae have penetrated (most commonly: shins, thighs, buttocks) turns red, with tingling, burning, and itching sensations. Later, a rash appears, and body temperature may rise. After 2-3 days, the itching begins to subside, but the rash remains for several more days. Sometimes, affected individuals experience weakness, dizziness, and sleep disturbances; in severe cases, fever and dry cough may occur.
Cercariasis is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Furthermore, swimmer's itch does not pose a serious danger to people and generally has a good prognosis. Symptoms usually resolve within a few days, as schistosome larvae cannot survive in the human body for an extended period.
To relieve itching, apply gauze pads soaked in a soda solution (one teaspoon per glass of water) to the affected areas. Anti-itch ointments and gels containing an anti-allergic component can also be used. If the itching is severe, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
To avoid infection, remember and follow these rules.