Which of the following symptoms relates to swimmer's itch?

Study for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for your certification!

Swimmer's itch is a condition resulting from an allergic reaction to certain parasites that can be found in freshwater lakes and ponds. These parasites are usually the larval stages of flatworms that infect birds and their life cycle involves snails and the water. When humans come into contact with contaminated water, they may experience symptoms due to an immune response.

The correct answer is related to the skin rash, which is a common symptom of swimmer's itch. The reaction occurs when the larvae penetrate the skin, leading to inflammation that manifests as red, itchy bumps or a rash. This rash can resemble that of other allergic skin reactions and is often very uncomfortable.

The other options involve symptoms that are not typically associated with swimmer's itch. Respiratory distress is more connected to issues such as asthma or severe allergic reactions to substances that enter the airways. Headache may arise from dehydration, stress, or other unrelated conditions, while intestinal pain is commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections or food-related illnesses, not a skin condition like swimmer's itch. Therefore, the rash is the hallmark sign of swimmer's itch, distinguishing it from other health issues.

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