You can become infected with cercariasis, or the so-called “swimmer’s itch,” when swimming in polluted waters, said Mikhail Lebedev, a leading expert, head of the scientific and information support group for medical institutions at the CMD Center for Molecular Diagnostics. Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology told socialbites.ca about this.
Swimmer’s itch is not a very dangerous disease, but it is very common and irritating. The larvae of the floating schistosome flatworm (cercariae) infect human skin, causing severe itching, swelling and skin rashes.
According to the expert, ducks and freshwater mollusks act as sources of schistosomes. The disease lasts from a few hours to two weeks and is more severe in children.
Lebedev stressed that it is safe to swim only in specially designated areas. “No swimming!” located next to some reservoirs. Do not ignore the warning.
“If the disease has come, you should seek medical help immediately. Do not self-medicate on the advice of friends and the Internet. The only medicine that can be taken before the doctor arrives is activated charcoal (or enterosorbent),” the specialist concluded.
an expert before said about the fact that beach sand can pose a risk to human health as various microorganisms live in it.