Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 | 3:06 p.m.
Boulder Beach
Lake Mead National Recreation Area authorities said nine people have developed rashes at Boulder Beach caused from parasites carried by waterfowl.
Officials said the parasites were the result of a larger-than-normal population of birds staying on the shoreline, resulting in the common “swimmer’s itch” rash for some.
The rash is caused when parasites carried in the bird’s feces come in contact with human skin, park officials said. The parasite causes a rash, but it can’t survive on human skin and quickly dies. Officials said most rashes don’t require medical attention, and they suggest towel drying after a swim and using anti-itch lotion or cortizone cream on inflamed areas.
Rangers have not closed the beaches but are conducting water-quality tests and are monitoring the shoreline, park officials said.
For more information on swimmer’s itch, visit the federal Centers for Disease Control website.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.
If you would like to submit your comment as a letter to the editor, you may submit it here.