Swimmer’s itch: incidence and risk factors

TitleSwimmer’s itch: incidence and risk factors
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsVerbrugge LM, Rainey JJ, Reimink RL, Blankespoor HD
JournalAmerican Journal of Publich Health
Volume94
Pagination738-741
KeywordsWATER
Abstract

Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) affects people engaged in open-water activities. We report incidence and risk factors for a US lake. Water exposures and swimmer’s itch experience were reported daily for riparian household residents and guests at Douglas Lake, Michigan, in July 2000. Incidence of swimmer’s itch was 6.8 episodes per 100 water exposure days. Positive risks were (1) exposures in shallow water and in areas with onshore winds and (2) more days of lake use in July. Further epidemiological studies will help public health agencies address this bothersome problem at recreational lakes.