BEND, OR — While no cases have been confirmed, Deschutes County Health has received several reports over the past few days of people experiencing rash and bite like symptoms similar to Swimmer’s Itch. Swimmer’s Itch is caused by an allergic reaction to parasites found in some birds and mammals. Deschutes County Health’s Tom Kuhn told KBNW News humans can be exposed to the parasites when working, wading or swimming in lakes and streams.
“No, it’s not a serious health issue,” Kuhn said, ” it does not lead to any major health complications. It’s not a reportable disease that we would get notified by providers if they get diagnosed with this. It’s just something that happens in the warmer, summer months in more still type bodies of water.”
Many of these cases have been reported by people who have visited the Cascade Lakes over the past week. Kuhn said the fear of possibly contracting Swimmer’s Itch should not keep Central Oregonians from enjoying the great outdoors.
“I was there this Saturday, didn’t have any problems. It’s just one of those things, like mosquitoes, if you’re going to go hiking in the mountains early in the season, there’s a good chance you might get bit by a bunch of mosquitoes and so it shouldn’t be something that stops you from doing an activity.”
Kuhn said there are several things that can help prevent or limit Swimmer’s Itch:
- Shower or towel off after swimming
- Use lotions or sun screens with Zinc Oxide
- And while it won’t make the rash go away, an anti-itch cream can help
Kuhn added Swimmer’s Itch lasts for about a week and then disappears on its own.
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