- Aquatic parasite burrows into human skin
- May cause a rash and/or itching
- Parasite is not viable in human host, most likely only hours
- Primary carriers in Higgins Lake are Merganser ducks
- The Stagnicola Snails are essential to complete the parasites life cycle.
- FAQ – Swimmer’s Itch Solutions
Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) in Higgins Lake is caused by an allergic reaction to a microscopic parasite that infect Common mergansers and Stagnicola snails. The parasite is released from infected snails into the water looking for the preferred host, common mergansers. If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin and may cause an allergic reaction and itchy rash.
