Swimming in the Hoornse Plas in Groningen is currently out of the question. The province has issued a negative swimming advice now that swimmer’s itch has been detected in the water feature.
With swimmer’s itch you have itching and bumps on your skin. These are caused by baby worms in water features. Those worms crawl into the skin after which they die.
Doctors state that swimmer’s itch is not dangerous, but annoying. The ailment will go away on its own. Cooling the skin or applying a gel with menthol can alleviate the symptoms.
During the warm period it was particularly busy in and around the Hoornse Plas. The crowds resulted in a large mountain of waste in the recreation area.