Many vacationers in Sweden are currently suffering from swimmer's itch caused by an invisible bird parasite that burrows into the skin.
A family from Borlänge visited a beach in Gränna and suffered hundreds of itchy rashes shortly after swimming. Mother Karin Åsblom said her daughter screamed that she wanted to die and her son said he wanted to end up in a coma.
The parasite, called cercariae or water fleas, occurs mainly in fresh or brackish water in small and shallow lakes. The risk increases with higher bathing temperatures and in water with many snails and waterfowl.
Doctor Soliman Hoshmand in Region Stockholm states that the parasites only reach the superficial layers of the skin and that symptoms can be relieved with cortisone cream or cooling salve. He also advises avoiding scratching to prevent infections.
Environmental and health protection inspector Alva Engström in Stockholm municipality urges those affected to report cases to the municipality so information can be shared at other beaches.
