What you need to know about cercariae and protection against them

At the height of the swimming season in Russia, many people want to cool off in natural bodies of water, but instead of enjoying swimming, some face unexpected and unpleasant consequences. Cases of infection with cercariae worm larvae, which penetrate the skin during swimming, are increasingly being recorded. People complain of painful blisters and red spots, accompanied by a high temperature. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may develop, requiring immediate hospitalization. Vera Serezhina, a medical expert at the LabQuest medical company, talks about the risks of swimming in questionable bodies of water and explains how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this threat.

What are cercariae?

Cercariae are the larvae of parasitic worms that undergo a complex life cycle. They develop in the bodies of waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans. At a certain stage, the cercariae leave the bodies of the birds and penetrate the mollusks and snails that live in the shallow waters of stagnant fresh water bodies. Inside these intermediate hosts, the larvae continue their development before returning to the water and looking for a new host. And this can be a person.

As they swim in the water, they penetrate the skin, causing unpleasant symptoms. These microscopic parasites use special devices to bore through the skin and penetrate the body. Cercariae are guided by heat and chemical signals emanating from the skin of warm-blooded creatures, which makes swimming in shallow waters especially risky.

Symptoms of infection

After the cercariae larvae penetrate under the human skin, characteristic symptoms appear, which can develop within 30-40 minutes after swimming in contaminated water. At first, red spots and blisters appear on the skin, reminiscent of insect bites. These rashes cause severe itching, which leads to scratching and, as a result, to the risk of infection. Victims often complain of burning and discomfort, which significantly worsens their overall well-being.

Along with skin manifestations, infected people may have a high temperature, which indicates the body's reaction to the invasion of parasites. Symptoms of general intoxication may be added to this: weakness, headache and muscle pain. In some cases, infection with cercariae is accompanied by a cough, which is associated with the reaction of the respiratory tract to allergens secreted by parasites.

The most severe complication of infection with cercariae can be anaphylactic shock - an acute allergic reaction that requires immediate medical intervention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat and face. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization.

Children who often play in shallow water and may spend long periods of time in the water are especially susceptible to infection.

Dangers of Infection

Infection with cercariae can cause not only unpleasant symptoms, but also lead to the development of secondary infections due to constant itching and scratching. Such infections may not heal for a long time and require medical intervention.

How to protect yourself from cercariae?

To protect yourself from infection with cercariae, Vera Serezhina recommends the following precautions:

1. Avoid swimming in questionable bodies of water. Pay special attention to places where waterfowl live. An up-to-date list of bodies of water approved for swimming can be found on the regional website of Rospotrebnadzor.
2. Use protective equipment. Apply Vaseline or other protective agents that do not wash off in water to your skin. This will create a barrier that prevents the penetration of larvae. Waterproof mosquito sprays can also be useful.
3. Swim in organized places. Such places usually have showers where you can wash off germs and parasites after swimming. Be sure to check with the administration about the source of the water and the quality of its filtration.
4. Reduce the time spent in the water. Try not to stay in the water for more than 30-40 minutes, especially in shallow water, to reduce the risk of infection.

Other risks of swimming in natural bodies of water

In addition to cercariae, you can also become infected with other waterborne infections in bodies of water:

• Intestinal infections. E. coli, salmonella, dysentery and cholera can enter the body through the mouth with water. These infections can cause serious digestive problems.

  Parasitic diseases. Ascariasis and enterobiasis can be transmitted through contact with soil and sand in recreational areas. These diseases are caused by parasitic worms that can enter the body through contaminated food or water.

Swimming in natural water bodies, despite its attractiveness, requires certain precautions. Taking care of your health and paying attention to the choice of a place for swimming will help you avoid unpleasant consequences and enjoy your summer vacation without worries. By following the recommendations of experts and choosing proven places for swimming, you can avoid infection with cercariae and other infections, maintaining your health and well-being.