Some people swimming in Kangaroo Lake came out of the water with more than a refreshing dip lately.  The Door County Public Health stated Wednesday that community members reported symptoms of swimmer’s itch, an itchy rash, recently after going into the waters of Kangaroo Lake west of Baileys Harbor.  Door County Sanitarian and Health Educator Chelsea Smies says swimmer’s itch is uncomfortable but can be prevented easily.

Swimmers itch is an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect birds and mammals.  The common condition can remain for several days and is found in freshwater lakes and ponds.  Smies advises not to swim where algae bloom is present and after heavy rains.

More information on swimmer's itch is available from the CDC link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/faqs.html

(photo courtesy of Door County Public Health)