"Merganser Measles" Tormenting Residents Near Pelican Lake

Anderson: Parasites, ducks and Minnesota DNR make for swimmer's itch controversy

Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County is hit with particularly bad strain of swimmer’s itch.

'They're terrified of the water': Severe swimmer’s itch at Pelican Lake sends people to ER

A severe swimmer’s itch outbreak at Big Pelican Lake is being linked to parasites from merganser ducks. Locals want the ducks removed to stop the spread.

"Merganser Measles" Tormenting Residents Near Pelican Lake

PELICAN LAKE, Minn. (KVRR) – Swimmer’s Itch is a common ailment for people in Lakes country this time of the year, but those near Pelican Lake say their issue is far worse. They’ve dubbed their strain “Merganser Measles,” as scientists have identified that the parasite responsible for the itch comes from Merganser ducks. They say it’s significantly more prolific and harmful than traditional swimmer’s itch caused by mallards or geese. A task forc…