The itch has hit a popular Manitoba resort town.
The province confirmed Tuesday that swimmer’s itch has infected Winnipeg Beach.
“Swimmer’s itch is a parasite that normally lives in water fowl, water mammals like beavers,” said Nicole Armstrong, director of water science and management with Manitoba Conservation.
It’s rare for such a large lake to get the parasite, Armstrong said. There no record of Winnipeg Beach getting it in the last 10 years.
The parasite that causes the itch is usually found in areas where there is more vegetation in the water, Manitoba Conservation said.
The parasite lays its eggs in the guts of birds and water mammals such as beavers, and then it’s released through the animals’ feces and gets picked up by snails.
The snails then release the parasite into the water and from there, it can end up going into the pores of swimmers, causing red spots and an itchy rash.
“It feels itchy and it feels weird; you itch everywhere,” said Isabella Pelletier, 10, who got swimmer’s itch last week during swimming lessons.
Towelling off vigorously or showering can reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch and using sunblock or oil can sometimes keep it away as well, the province says.
The Winnipeg Beach mayor worries the parasite could affect their economy by scaring tourists away from the tiny resort town.
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“People might be really concerned and avoid coming out to the beach,” said Tony Pimentel. “Our community is a resort community; our community does depend on the tourists to come out.”
Many parents at Winnipeg Beach on Tuesday knew about the swimmer’s itch and were taking precautions to prevent their children from getting it.
Several children and adults already had it.
On average, two to 10 beaches in Manitoba get infected with swimmers itch. The parasite can’t be avoided but it can go away quickly. When it leaves is dependant on the direction of the wind.
More information on swimmer’s itch and Manitoba beach conditions can be found on these websites:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/quality/swimmers_itch.html
https://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/water_quality/beaches/swimmers_itch.pdf
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