Investigation of E. coli outbreak at Lake Anna shows no danger

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has completed another round of water testing at Lake Anna. Officials conclude their investigation by confirming there is no danger to the public, but that does not mean they recommend everyone go in the water.

VDH launched its investigation after at least 20 people became ill with E. coli after visiting the lake over Memorial Day weekend. It has been 20 days since the last person to visit the lake during the holiday became ill. Health officials have not been able to identify the bacteria in the water samples from the lake or determine where it came from.

Authorities remind everyone that water testing is a snapshot in time and place. The samples used for the E. coli test were collected four weeks after Memorial Day weekend and do not necessarily reflect the water environment during the holiday weekend. The results also cannot predict future risksand swimming in any natural body of water poses some health risks because the water is not disinfected. Children under five, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting diseases in natural bodies of water.

Due to the upcoming Fourth of July celebration, the Health Department is on high alert through July 17 and is monitoring the public even more closely than usual. This monitoring includes monitoring emergency department and urgent care visits and investigating all reported E. coli cases.

Officials will continue routine bacterial monitoring of Lake Anna, which occurs between April and October each year. This monitoring includes testing for fecal bacteria, but not for STEC. DEQ results are available on Water Quality Data Home.

To prevent illness while swimming, boating, wading, or recreationally engaging in natural waters, individuals should:

• Never swallow untreated water and do not swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
• Wash your hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
• Shower or bathe after swimming to wash away any germs and contaminants.
• Check the water and surrounding area before swimming. Do not enter the water if there is a green film on the water or the water is cloudier than usual. Do not swim near sewers or livestock.
• Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Heavy rain picks up everything it comes into contact with, including germs from overflowing sewers, polluted stormwater, and runoff from land.
• Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat wastewater at marinas using a pumping unit or disposal station.
• Consult your doctor before swimming in the sea, lakes, rivers or other natural bodies of water if your body’s defenses against germs are already compromised by other health problems or medications.

Health officials advise that a swimming advisory remains in effect for the upper section of the North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County due to harmful algal blooms (unrelated to the recent E. coli outbreak).

RELATED TOPICS: “We believe the cases are related to swimming in the lake” | Results of second Lake Anna water survey released

RELATED TOPIC: ‘I’ve never been in so much pain in my life’ | At least 20 E. coli cases reported by Lake Anna visitors

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