The rash known as “swimmer’s itch” is caused by the parasite cercaria. The parasite was confirmed in snail samples sent to the New York State laboratory for testing after the health department received complaints from swimmers experiencing a rash after swimming in the lake between May 29 and June 10. 

 

The parasite lives in the blood of infected animals, such as ducks or geese. The parasite’s eggs are excreted from animal hosts into the water, where they are taken up by snails. After further development, they are again released into the water. They then seek a new animal host, but sometimes encounter human swimmers—which can lead to skin irritation for some swimmers. 

 

After applying for and receiving a permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Broome County Parks Department began remediation efforts focusing on habitat modification of snail beds. This involves the use of mechanical equipment to rake a small portion of the lake’s shoreline.

 

“There is no certainty that the remediation efforts will completely eliminate the risk of developing “swimmer’s itch”, but modifications to the snail beds will reduce the presence of the cercaria (parasite) in the water significantly,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department. “In addition, the Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a permit to discourage the presence of geese, the preferred host of the parasite, at the lake.

 

“We will continue to monitor the snail population, through remediation efforts, as well as the number of swimmers and complaints,” Edwards said. “Although we are removing the signs, we want people to continue to take a few simple precautionary measures against swimmer’s itch by immediately and thoroughly towel drying or showing after getting out of the water to reduce your risk,” she further stated. 

 

Anyone experiencing an itchy rash within two days of swimming at Greenwood Park should contact the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2839. If a rash persists over a week, please contact your primary physician.

 

Informational flyers will be available at Greenwood Park for any visitors wanting information regarding swimmer’s itch. Information regarding swimmer’s itch can also be obtained by visiting the Broome County Health Department’s website at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd.