Cases have also been reported at Sand Hollow Reservoir in Hurricane and at Wide Hollow Reservoir near Escalante, according to Utah State Parks spokeswoman Deena Loyola. Steinaker isn't the only state park in Utah with reports of swimmer's itch this summer. "In those cases, it's always good to see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis," Blake said. More severe cases, however, can last longer and may mask a more serious problem. It can be treated with topical ointments and over-the-counter antihistamines, Blake said. "Even without treatment, it's going to be a limited time that you'll have the problem," he added.Ī typical case of swimmer's itch causes discomfort for two or three days. "It's really more of a nuisance problem," Blake said. John Blake, a dermatologist at Uintah Basin Medical Center in Roosevelt. "It just comes into your skin, and once it's in there, you're an accidental host and the (larva) dies and it causes a little bug bite," said Dr. Swimmer's itch is caused when the free-swimming larvae of a waterborne parasite cast off by aquatic snails mistake humans for their intended host species - ducks. It just comes into your skin, and once it's in there, you're an accidental host and the (larva) dies and it causes a little bug bite. "That's when these larvae try to attach to you," he said. "Usually it's kids that get it," Murray said, noting that children tend to spend more time playing in the warmer water near the shore. It's the first time since 1999 that a case has been reported, he said. The park has recorded "seven to 10" cases of cercarial dermatitis - the scientific term for the skin condition commonly known as swimmer's itch - so far this summer, Murray said. "I've worked here for 16 years and this is the second time I know that we've had it," said park manager Mike Murray. VERNAL - Low water levels, high temperatures and an abundance of aquatic snails have combined this year to cause an outbreak of "swimmer's itch" in the reservoir at Steinaker State Park. Reading or replaying the story in itsĪrchived form does not constitute a republication of the story. If itching is severe or persists longer than three (3) days, a dermatologist should be seen.Only for your personal, non-commercial use. An antihistamine or corticosteroid cream can be beneficial. Treatment for Swimmers Itch may not be necessary when there are only a few itching spots. The parasite inhabits shallow waters with weeded areas. The infested areas are on the east shore and the south shore at Sandy Cove. It’s just something that happens in natural waters and only affects about 1% of the swimmers. Swimmer’s Itch is a red itchy, bite-like welts that appear on the body several hours after swimming. Health Notice: Sand Hollow Reservoir is currently infested with a condition known as Schistosome Dermatitis, which is a flatworm parasite that causes Swimmer’s Itch. Go one (1) mile and turn left onto the park access road and follow it two (2) miles to the park, then turn left and proceed to the main park entrance. Travel east four (4) miles to the Turf Sod Road and turn right. To get to Sand Hollow from I-15 take the Hurricane Exit 16. Sand Hollow State Park is located approximately 15 miles east of St. Currently, the fee is CASH ONLY…and the nearest atm is several miles away. There is a $10.00 entrance fee per vehicle. The Park is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. The reservoir is open to diving year round. During the summer there is a thermocline at about 20 feet with a temperature that ranges in the mid 60’s. Water surface temperature ranges from 54 degrees in the winter to 76 degrees in mid summer. There is also a Peak Performance Buoyancy Course for testing your buoyancy skills. In 2006 a local dive shop placed a Cessna 310 airplane in the reservoir at a depth of 40 feet. Visibility is normally between 15 to 20 feet. The North Dam has a maximum depth of 95′ and the West Dam has a maximum depth of 55′. The scuba area has a maximum depth of 45′ depending on time of year. The scuba and swimming area is south of the boat ramp and is marked with buoys. The warm, blue waters of Sand Hollow have a large population of bass and bluegill. The reservoir covers 1,300 acres of flooded sand stone formations and is at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level. The park is so new that it doesn’t appear on most of Utah’s road maps. They began filling the reservoir in 2002 and opened the park in 2003. The park is managed by Utah State Parks and Recreation. Sand Hollow State Park is one of the newest parks in the state of Utah. Sand Hollow State Park info available here.Dive Utah typically runs group trips to Sand Hollow several times each year.Photos and information provided by Divemaster Paul Smith
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