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What are cercariae?
In summer, you can sometimes get an itchy rash when swimming in lakes or rivers. This is caused by very small animals, the cercariae (larvae of sucking worms). They actually want to bite birds or other animals, but sometimes they mistake our skin for that of animals.
Don't worry, it's not bad and will go away. The little animals cannot penetrate deep into our bodies and soon die. But sometimes it can be quite itchy.
What happens in the event of an infection?
- First infection: Most of the time you don't notice anything. Sometimes the skin itches or reddens a little shortly after contact.
- If you have already been infected: It is then often very itchy, the skin turns red and small blisters can appear.
- Important: You should not scratch yourself, otherwise the skin can become inflamed.
- How long does it take? After about 10-20 days everything is over again, even without special treatment.
Why do cercariae occur in the Danube?
Cercariae due to the warm water temperatures more frequently. As it has often been very hot in Vienna recently, more cercariae are populating the heated waters of the Danube.
How can you protect yourself?
- Do not feed ducks: If you're at a lake, don't give the ducks any food.
- Avoid certain places: Do not swim in shallow waters where there are many plants or where the water is still. Very warm water is also not good.
- Apply a cream: A waterproof bath cream containing niclosamide protects against infection and can help prevent the cercariae from getting into your skin.
- Shower after bathing: After bathing, you should shower off immediately and rub yourself dry.
- Change your swimwear: If possible, put on dry clothes after bathing.
Federal Ministry (30 July 2024). Cercaria dermatitis. Retrieved on 30 July 2024 from: https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Gesundheit/Uebertragbare-Krankheiten/Infektionskrankheiten-A-Z/Zerkarien-Dermatitis-(Bade-Dermatitis).html
