Swimmer’s Itch reported at Birch Cove Beach

The beach is still open, but swimming lessons are cancelled

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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Several cases of swimmer’s itch have been reported at Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth. 

According to the Halifax Regional Municipality, the allergic reaction is caused by the bites of a microscopic parasite that is carried in bird waste and certain species of aquatic snail.

“The bites leave an itchy rash on affected parts of the body,” the municipality said in a news release. “While not dangerous on their own, bites can becomes infected if scratched and turned into open wounds.”

“If contact is made with affected water, skin should be rinsed with clean water as soon as possible.”

The beach is still open, but swimming lessons are cancelled this week, and those were the last lessons scheduled for this summer.

Those who go swimming at Birch Cove Beach are encouraged to rinse off well when they come out of the water.