Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Swimmers at Clear Lake are being urged to take precautions after multiple people reported symptoms consistent with swimmer’s itch, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services said Wednesday.

The county said the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Clear Lake after receiving reports from several individuals who swam there and “appear to have swimmer’s itch.” Health officials also warned that swimmers at any freshwater lake should be aware the parasite may be present and that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

Swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to the county. The parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water, including lakes, ponds and oceans.

If the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it can burrow into the skin, triggering an allergic reaction and rash.

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