Swimmer's itch diagram (CDC)
Detroit Lakes, MN – The City of Detroit Lakes has announced that the mile-long stretch of Detroit Lake, from the Pavilion to Legion Road, is tentatively planned for treatment of swimmer’s itch on July 31st (Wednesday).
The City said in a Facebook post, “While we do the best we can to eliminate swimmer’s itch, this is not a guarantee that it is completely gone. Please continue to swim with caution.”
Swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to a parasite that burrows into the swimmer’s skin.
The main source of swimmer’s itch is a parasite that is passed to the water from infected animals, such as ducks.
Ducks are found in large concentrations near swimming beaches due to the availability of food.
The City requests that people avoid feeding waterfowl and to clean up trash and left-over food before leaving the beach.