Something's Itchy at Horsethief Reservoir

It's a head scratcher. Some visitors to Horsethief Reservoir - located eight miles east of Cascade, Idaho - have reported breaking out in rashes soon after swimming in the reservoir. While it has not been confirmed, the most likely culprit is cercarial dermatitis, commonly known as swimmer's itch. The itch is caused by a small parasitic worm, seeking an appropriate host - usually waterfowl. If these larvae, swimming freely in the water column, come in contact with human skin, they may penetrate it. Dying almost immediately, the parasite can cause a raised, mildly itchy spot to develop on the skin. More larvae in one general location can lead to an itchy rash which intensifies with time, but generally lasts only a week or so. While aggravating, the larvae and the itch they cause have no lasting effects on humans. More information regarding swimmer's itch can be found at this web location: http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/documents/swimmers_itch_faq.pdf