Refreshment has an address.  Here in San Angelo, that address is 18 E. Avenue A. The Municipal pool is now open.  Every Tuesday through Sunday, now through Labor Day you can cool off with the waters, the slides, and all the fun of the Municipal Pool.  This is not a minute too soon.

There have been many creepy cases in the area and statewide of the dreaded "Swimmer's itch".

Photo: CDC
Photo: CDC
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Swimmer's itch is an itchy rash that is making an appearance in area lakes and reservoirs. It is also known by the name cercarial dermatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic webpage. The itch is caused by parasites called cercariae and they naturally live in the blood of animals like ducks, geese, swans and raccoons that live near lakes, ponds and even the ocean.

There are also certain bacteria that comes from animal feces that can cause the itch. The condition was publicized by a TikTokker who visited Lady Bird Lake in Austin and has since gone viral.

Some signs of "the itch" usually show up within twelve hours of getting out of the pool and may include:

  • tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
  • small reddish pimples
  • small blisters
Purestock
Purestock
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The best way to avoid swimmer's itch according to the CDC include:

  • Try to towel dry or shower immediately after swimming.
  • Avoid swimming in waters where signs say it’s unsafe.
  • Don’t feed birds or do other things that attract waterfowl to swimming areas.
  • Don’t swim in shallow or marshy areas where snails are commonly found.

Or you can just go to the newly reopened Municipal Pool here in San Angelo.  There's no swimmer's itch there.  In the meantime, you can treat your symptoms with corticosteroid cream, cool compresses, Epsom salt or baking soda baths and anti-itch medicines.

Fortunately, swimmer's itch is not contagious, so no worries there. Until the swimmer's itch threat subsides, the pool is definitely the best place to cool down in San Angelo.

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