Swimmer’s itch has been reported at both Alta Lake and Lost Lake in Whistler. It may also be present at other Whistler Lakes, RMOW says.
While RMOW doesn’t have a formal monitoring program for swimmer’s itch at Whistler’s beaches, the municipality will post signs at the beaches if it receives reports from community members.
Swimmer’s itch is a temporary rash caused by naturally occurring microscopic parasites.
Symptoms can range from a mild irritation to a very severe, itchy, red rash. Scratching can cause severe pain and swelling, or cause the skin to become infected.
The severity of the symptoms depends on how many larvae get on to the skin, and individual sensitivity to the infection. Symptoms, however, tend to worsen after repeat exposure.
A rash may appear within 12 hours of infection. The reaction may last from two to five days and symptoms can last as long as two weeks.
Repeat infections are usually worse. People become more sensitive to the larvae and develop stronger responses each time.
There is no way to avoid it entirely but risk can be reduced by swimming off docks, not wading in the shallow water and showering off immediately after leaving the water.
Know more at HealthLink BC.
