Marshall County Health Officer, Dr. Byron Holm is warning those who swim in open water that the department is seeing Swimmer’s Itch.
As we enter the summer swimming season, a reminder about Swimmer’s Itch. It is already affecting several area lakes. Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and saltwater such as lakes, ponds, and oceans. While the parasite’s preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite meets a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash.
Symptoms can include:
• tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
• small reddish pimples
• small blisters
Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples appear within twelve hours. Pimples may develop into small blisters. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. The itching may last up to a week or more but will gradually go away. Because swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmer’s itch will be.
2026 Red Hill High School Homecoming schedule released
Farm harvest safety reminders for drivers
Southwestern Indiana fugitive arrested in Illinois after multi-county chase
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
City of Lawrenceville to begin hydrant flushing
Rose visits Lawrence County on district-wide listening tour
Lawrence County (ILL.) man charged with child sex crime
LCMH promotes Diesser to Lead Cardiopulmonary Nurse
IECC District #529 passes budget and district plans
Lawrence County Fall Festival entertainment rescheduled
Lawrence County Board approves moratorium on data centers; solar project moving forward
Vincennes Lincoln High School among those to receive banner recognition from Special Olympics North America
New solar project moving forward in Knox County
Lawrence Public Library is solid financial shape for the future
United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Set for September 17–18
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
