The doctor warned about the risk of infection with subcutaneous parasites in freshwater reservoirs

With the arrival of summer and the beginning of the bathing season, cases of cercariosis, a disease also known as "bather's itch," are increasingly being recorded in Russia. This is a form of allergic skin reaction caused by larvae of parasitic worms living in freshwater reservoirs. Vladimir Neronov, MD, an infectious disease specialist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about this on June 3.

According to him, children are considered especially vulnerable to infection: their skin is thinner and more sensitive, and they spend longer and more active time in the water, especially in shallow water.

The causative agent of cercariasis is cercariae, larvae of flatworms of the genus Trichobilharzia, which parasitize the blood vessels of waterfowl. The river snail acts as an intermediate host, and humans become an accidental target: they do not play a biological role in this cycle. However, upon contact with the skin, the larvae are able to penetrate inside, causing a local inflammatory reaction, which is manifested by severe itching, redness and rash.

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To avoid infection, it is important to follow simple but effective precautions. You should not swim in standing warm water, especially in shallow water — that's where the cercariae accumulate. Places where ducks swim also pose an increased risk: birds are the main carriers of these parasites. He noted that doctors recommend not feeding ducks near recreation areas and not climbing into reservoirs resembling "puddles" — leaky, overgrown, poorly ventilated.

"After bathing, it is advisable to take a shower with soap and change into dry clothes as soon as possible. This is especially important for children — explain to them why it is important to wash immediately after water and not scratch the skin, even if it itches. Combing can cause a secondary infection and worsen the situation," the infectious disease specialist warned.

If an infection does occur, it can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms: burning, itching, redness and a small rash that appears 1-4 hours after bathing. Sometimes blisters may appear. In most cases, these symptoms go away on their own within a few days. However, if symptoms are severe, you should consult a doctor — you may need an antihistamine or a special ointment.

The doctor reassured him: despite the unpleasant sensations, cercariosis, common in Russia, is not life-threatening. Larvae die after failing to complete the development cycle in the human body. However, in hot countries such as Africa or Southeast Asia, there are species of schistosomes that are actually able to enter the circulatory system and parasitize internal organs. Such cases require serious treatment and can have serious consequences. Therefore, when vacationing abroad, it is necessary to clarify the sanitary condition of local reservoirs and avoid swimming in fresh water without proper information.

"Cercariosis is not a reason to panic, but a signal that choosing a place to swim should be taken seriously. A lukewarm river with ducks and silt is not the best choice for summer refreshment. Following simple hygiene rules, mindfulness and a little vigilance will help make summer safe and enjoyable," concluded the specialist.

Earlier, on May 29, survival expert Eduard Khalilov spoke about the safety rules when staying near the water. He stressed that the main rule is not to abuse alcohol. Every time people who drink in nature, the threshold of vigilance decreases, the feeling of fear disappears.