Swimmers are being forced out of the River Cam after being “attacked†by parasitic mites that have spread rapidly in the water due to the warm weather.
The parasitic duck mite appears in the River Cam at this time of year and can cause a condition known as ‘swimmer’s itch’ (or cercarial dermatitis).
Newnham resident Terry Macalister said the situation was getting so bad, swimmers were being kept out of the water due to the ferocity of the bites.
Mr Macalister said: “Keen river swimmers like myself are being forced to stay out of the water because of duck mites which are attacking us.
“A friend said she had 200 bites after a swim last Saturday. I have also been forced to stop swimming temporarily due to bites which are like bad mosquito bites.
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