People are urged not to bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar in the Central Highlands. The Icelandic Environment Agency warns that tiny parasites, duck borne blood flukes (schistosomatidae) have been found in the water. The parasites can cause an allergic reaction in humans, causing a rash. The Environment Agency has received reports of several people having had an allergic reaction to the blood flukes.
Since all roads in the Central Highlands are closed and impassable, Landmannalaugar can currently only be reached by specially equipped mountain trucks.
The parasites, which are borne by duck species, are believed to have been delivered to Landmannalaugar by either mallards or bluebills who frequently stop for a swim in the pool. The blood fluke variety in question is most likely Trichobilharzia regenti, which is common in Icelandic ducks, including the mallard, bluebill and teal populations of Landmannalaugar.
The Environment Agency is working with experts to come up with a plan to avoid parasite infections from spreading into the pool in the future.
People are asked to avoid the pool while the infection is present.
People are urged not to bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar in the Central Highlands. The Icelandic Environment Agency warns that tiny parasites, duck borne blood flukes (schistosomatidae) have been found in the water. The parasites can cause an allergic reaction in humans, causing a rash. The Environment Agency has received reports of several people having had an allergic reaction to the blood flukes.
Since all roads in the Central Highlands are closed and impassable, Landmannalaugar can currently only be reached by specially equipped mountain trucks.
The parasites, which are borne by duck species, are believed to have been delivered to Landmannalaugar by either mallards or bluebills who frequently stop for a swim in the pool. The blood fluke variety in question is most likely Trichobilharzia regenti, which is common in Icelandic ducks, including the mallard, bluebill and teal populations of Landmannalaugar.
The Environment Agency is working with experts to come up with a plan to avoid parasite infections from spreading into the pool in the future.
People are asked to avoid the pool while the infection is present.
