The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is asking residents to take precaution if choosing to swim at Mushamush Beach Park.
The Recreation Department says Swimmers Itch has been confirmed after sixteen kids were recently affected.
The temporary, itchy rash is caused by parasites that live in the blood stream of aquatic mammals, ducks or other waterfowl.
The problem occurs every summer at the beach park, according to recreation program coordinator Tissy Bolivar.
“Because the water levels are so low in that lake, we haven’t had a lot of rain, the levels are dropping even more and it creates a warm environment in the water for this bacteria to grow.”
Bolivar says it doesn’t mean people have to stay away.
One option, she suggests, is to add sunscreen to their skin before going in the water.
“It helps create a barrier for that bacteria not to attach to your body. Towel off briskly after and make sure you shower as soon as you can when you’re out.”
She says there is no serious danger with Swimmers Itch but it could be very irritating.
Bolivar adds, they conduct weekly water tests but it doesn’t pick up Swimmers Itch.
