Why are cercariae dangerous - parasites from river water that penetrate the skin?

Now the heat has come to our latitudes, and with it people want to cool off in bodies of water. But such swimming in some places can be very dangerous, because cases of human infection with cercariae have become more frequent. These are parasitic larvae that penetrate human skin while swimming in fresh water. At first glance, encountering these worms does not look dangerous and only causes redness of the skin and itching. But this is the most favorable course of the disease. For the infected person, things could end much worse.

Typically, infection with cercariae occurs when swimming in rivers and lakes. The first symptoms are severe itching in certain areas of the skin and the appearance of blisters. A little later, high temperature joins the skin manifestations. Patients often require hospitalization because if the condition worsens, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition.

Cercariae are the larvae of blood flukes. These parasites most often affect waterfowl - ducks, swans, geese and gulls. Fluke eggs with bird feces end up in water bodies, where the parasite finds intermediate hosts. Their role is usually played by snails that live in shallow water bodies of standing water or slow currents. Blood flukes are undemanding to the composition of water and climate. They are found in reservoirs throughout Russia.

Cercariae larvae emerge from the eggs, which concentrate on the surface of aquatic plants and in the upper layers of water, warming up to 20 degrees Celsius. Here they are looking for a new owner, whose role is increasingly being played by humans. Infection occurs quite quickly - it is enough to stand in warm water near the shore for only half an hour.

Because cercariae love shallow water, children often suffer from them. Kids swim close to the shore and love to stay in the water for a long time. The larvae burrow into the skin of the legs, buttocks and thighs, causing a red, itchy rash after emerging from the water. Popularly, this condition has a special name - “swimmer's itch.” It can be so strong that children scratch their skin until it bleeds. In this case, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees.

The man himself is not interesting to the cercariae. Once under the skin, the larva quickly dies, unable to penetrate the subcutaneous layer. Dead parasites are eliminated naturally and recovery occurs. But cercariasis is dangerous due to its complications.

The larvae often cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock, requiring emergency medical attention. Also, blisters and scratched areas on the skin become gateways for secondary infections. Some of them can be much more dangerous than cercariasis.

Avoiding infection with these parasites is not difficult at all. Doctors recommend avoiding ponds with stagnant water, especially those not intended for swimming. It is also better to avoid areas favored by waterfowl. If you doubt the suitability of a lake or river for swimming, you can create a barrier for the larvae. To do this, apply Vaseline or other water-resistant greasy ointment to the skin of the feet. For cercariae it will become a serious obstacle.

Dangerous parasites lie in wait for us in the most unexpected places. Unfortunately, carelessness can cost your health or even your life. Australian Sam Bollard just joked at a meeting with friends by eating a slug. This stupidity first made him disabled and then killed him.