A4

By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

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Swimmer's itch remains a problem at Killarney Lake, but the reactions to the parasite commonly found in lakes across North America vary person by person, says the city's recreation officer in charge of aquatics.

"We had two families in yesterday with no problem and another person go in and they go a little itchy," Justine Blizzard said Thursday following a presentation to the community services committee.

"It's a day-to-day thing. We don't want to discourage people from going."

Some people are choosing to use the beach and not swim, while others are wading and some are swimming, but the city is still handing out information to visitors to the city-owned park and lake facility so they're aware of the potential to get swimmer's itch.

"We have posted signs with information on it," she said.

Several cases of swimmer's itch were reported late last week after 15 children participating in a summer activity group visited the lake.

Schistosomes, a parasite common to fresh water, can cause a temporary rash that produces itchy, red bumps on a person's skin. The bumps appear as a person's antibodies fight off the intruding parasite before it can harm the body.

Blizzard said using sunblock, not sunscreen, can help protect against the parasite, but it's not a guarantee.

"It depends how thick you put it on and what your skin is like," she said.

Different people have different sensitivity to the parasite.

If you contract swimmer's itch, apply calamine lotion to the affected area and take baking soda baths. Benadryl will also help to reduce the sensation of the itch. Dry off well after emerging from the lake as well, she said.

Blizzard said this is the first reported case of swimmer's itch at Killarney Lake in 25 years.