If you go for a dip at a Dartmouth beach you might leave with an itchy rash.
The municipality says several cases of swimmers itch have been reported at Birch Cove Beach.
“Swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction caused by the bites of a microscopic parasite carried in bird waste and certain species of aquatic snail,” a news release says. “The bites leave an itchy rash on affected parts of the body. While not dangerous on their own, bites can become infected if scratched and turn into open wounds.”
The beach is still open, but the remaining swimming lessons of summer have been cancelled.
If you do go for a swim it’s advised you rinse off your body when you get out with clean water.
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