• Jen McDade, center, of Clifton Park, and her sister-in-law Catherine McDade set up an umbrella at the beach on the lake at Moreau State Park.( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union ) Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
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Jen McDade, center, of Clifton Park, and her sister-in-law Catherine McDade set up an umbrella at the beach on the lake at Moreau State Park.( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
Jen McDade, center, of Clifton Park, and her sister-in-law Catherine McDade set up an umbrella at the beach on the lake at Moreau State Park.( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
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Beach goers at Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, NY Thursday July 11, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Beach goers at Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, NY Thursday July 11, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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An overflowing beach front on lake at Moreau State Park in Moreau. (Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
An overflowing beach front on lake at Moreau State Park in Moreau. (Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
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Bathers at the beach on the lake at Moreau State Park.( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
Bathers at the beach on the lake at Moreau State Park.( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )
Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
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Beach goers at Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, NY Thursday July 11, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Beach goers at Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, NY Thursday July 11, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
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Life guards, from left, Ray Hoag, Mac Costello and Sean Kirwan set up the beach at at Moreau Lake State Park for the holiday weekend Friday May 22, 2015 in Gansevoort, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Life guards, from left, Ray Hoag, Mac Costello and Sean Kirwan set up the beach at at Moreau Lake State Park for the holiday weekend Friday May 22, 2015 in Gansevoort, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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MOREAU — The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is distributing educational pamphlets about swimmer's itch at Moreau Lake beach after two families reported skin irritations following a visit to the beach.

Swimmer's itch, or cercarial dermatitis, is caused after certain microscopic parasites come into contact with a swimmer and burrow into their skin. The parasites die soon after, but may cause an allergic reaction and rash that can last several days, federal and state health officials report. It seldom requires medical treatment.

"When swimming and visiting natural settings we encourage visitors to always be aware that varying environmental conditions do exist such as aquatic vegetation and organisms, poison ivy, ticks, etc. that carry health risks," said parks agency spokesman Randy Simons.

DOH DEC Swimmer's Itch - Facts by Bethany on Scribd

Moreau Beach remains open for swimming.

"At this time we do not have any significant evidence that suggests Moreau Lake needs to close," he said.

Parks will continue to consult the Department of Health about water quality at the park. Moreau Lake historically has excellent water quality and is analyzed and tested weekly for E. coli, he said. The most recent tests returned Wednesday indicate excellent water quality, he said.

To minimize any health reactions while swimming, the parks agency encourages swimmers to:

  • Thoroughly dry off your body after exiting the water
  • Shower after swimming in fresh and salt water
  • Stay within the guarded swimming areas as these waters are tested regularly
  • Check your body after visiting the outdoors
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not feed ducks, which can contribute to the spread of the parasite that causes swimmers itch.