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2. Parasite Origin

The parasite that causes swimmer's itch normally live in aquatic mammals such as beavers, or birds like ducks and geese. When the animal excretes feces into a lake or pond, the parasite's eggs disperse as well and eventually hatch. The young larvae, called miracidia, seek out their intermediate host — a type of aquatic snail — where they reside until maturity.

parasite worm miracidia aquatic animals altmodern / Getty Images

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