HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2.22 For Immediate Release_ Public Health Reminds Residents About Fresh Water Parasites
From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi; Putnam, Jodi; Soderstrom, Monica; Star, Nanette
Cc:York, Danette; Canton, David
Subject:For Immediate Release: Public Health Reminds Residents About Fresh Water Parasites
Date:Tuesday, August 2, 2022 9:43:16 AM
The following release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2022
Public Health Reminds Residents About Fresh Water Parasites
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County Public Health is reminding the public that during the
summer months, some fresh water lakes and ponds may contain small parasites that can
cause an allergic reaction and/or rash, commonly referred to as swimmer’s itch. The
parasites are released from infected snails and then spread to birds and other water
animals who shed the organism, which are more likely to be present in shallow water near
the shoreline.
Anyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. However, children are most
often affected because they tend to swim, wade, and play in the shallow water more than
adults. The most common symptoms may include: tingling, burning or itching skin, small
reddish pimples and small blisters.
Swimmer’s itch is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another
person. Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention.
To reduce the risk of swimmer's itch:
Choose swimming spots carefully. Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer's itch is
a known problem or signs warn of possible contamination.
Avoid the shoreline or swimming/wading in marshy areas where snails and waterfowl
are commonly found.
Rinse after swimming. Rinse exposed skin with clean water immediately after leaving
the water, then vigorously dry your skin with a towel. Launder your swimsuits often.
Don't feed birds on docks or near swimming areas.
If you have a rash or irritated skin after swimming in fresh water, you may try the following
for relief – if these remedies do not help, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare
provider.
Use corticosteroid cream
Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda
Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths
Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it
reaches a paste-like consistency)
Use an anti-itch lotion
For more information, visit the CDC Swimmer’s Itch FAQ website:
(www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/faqs.html)
###
Lisa Almaguer
Communications Manager / PIO
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
FACEBOOK | TWITTER
COUNTY OF BUTTE E-MAIL DISCLAIMER: This e-mail and any attachment thereto may contain private, confidential, and privileged
material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this e-mail (or any attachments thereto) by
other than the County of Butte or the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are NOT the intended recipient, please contact the
sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this e-mail and any attachments thereto.