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Alarm at the Pfuhler bathing lake: fluke worm larvae cause itching!
Authorities warn of cercariae in the Pfuhler bathing lake near Neu-Ulm. Symptoms of dermatitis are common, but not dangerous.
Alarm at the Pfuhler bathing lake: fluke worm larvae cause itching!
There is currently increased vigilance in the Pfuhler bathing lake near Ulm and Neu-Ulm because the authorities have warned about fluke larvae. How Time online reported, seven cases of cercarial dermatitis were reported to the local health department in just one week. Despite these reports, no bathing ban was imposed because there was no serious danger to bathers.
What are cercariae? These larvae belong to the fluke worms (trematodes) and occur primarily in warm water, at temperatures above 20 degrees. They initially live in aquatic snails and then look for a host to reproduce. Contact with humans usually occurs when the larvae burrow into the skin and cause allergic reactions that can range from severe itching to annoying rashes. The symptoms usually subside after 10 to 20 days. Treatments include antipruritic and anti-inflammatory agents available at pharmacies.
About the risks and preventative measures
The symptoms of a cercarial infection include a red rash, itchy hives and papules. It is important to know that the larvae are generally unpleasant for humans and animals, but not dangerous. The immune system recognizes the invaders and can usually fight them off. However, anyone who regularly spends time in waters with a high density of waterfowl should be particularly careful. It is advisable to generally avoid swimming in shallow, muddy shore areas and to quickly take off wet swimwear in order to dry the skin thoroughly and remove larvae BR advises.
In order to reduce the spread of cercariae and the associated skin diseases, feeding waterfowl is also not recommended. The feces of these animals in particular encourage the parasites to multiply. An increased incidence of cercariae can be expected during the warm months from June to September, particularly as water temperatures rise and conditions for freshwater snails improve.
Preconceptions about water quality
A common misconception is that an infestation with cercariae says something about the water quality of the swimming lake. That's not the case. According to the European Environment Agency, over 90 percent of German bathing waters have good to excellent water quality, even if there are reports of cercariae. The larvae are a result of specific ecological conditions that are favored by climate change: higher water temperatures and longer periods of sunshine lead to an increased population of freshwater snails, such as the NDR reported.
In summary, it can be said that bathers in the Pfuhler bathing lake should be vigilant, but do not have to worry unnecessarily. If you follow the recommended precautionary measures and keep yourself informed about the current conditions, you can continue to enjoy the warm days by the water without any worries.