Virginia Department of Health completes investigation into E. coli outbreak in Lake Anna

After a new round of water testing, the Virginia Department of Health is completing its investigation into an E. coli outbreak in Lake Anna in Spotsylvania and Louis counties. The investigation began after 25 people reported becoming ill with the gastrointestinal illness after swimming in the lake over Memorial Day weekend.

The most recent tests on June 25 looked for the specific strain of the bacteria called “Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157.”

“We can’t say whether this was in the water over Memorial Day weekend or not, but we can tell you it’s not an ongoing problem,” said Brookie Crawford, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Health.

Crawford said water samples were taken three times last month — on June 11, 17 and 25. The last sample was the only test specifically looking for the pathogen believed to have made the swimmers sick. Crawford said that doesn’t mean the lake isn’t the culprit.

“All of the people who were reported sick reported being at the lake over Memorial Day weekend and having contact with the lake, so it’s likely that the lake was the cause. We just can’t scientifically confirm that at this time,” she added.

Among those affected was 15-year-old Ava Inglett from Warrenton, Virginia, who suffered kidney failure due to an E. coli infection. The teenager has since been released from the hospital.

E. coli usually gets into water via animal feces, so additional fecal testing was done. Those tests found levels high enough to cause public concern, Crawford said.

She warned that the results do not rule out the presence of E. coli in the water and that there is a real risk of contracting E. coli while swimming in the lake.

Crawford said tips for safety when in the water include never swallowing untreated water and not swimming if you have open cuts or wounds on your skin. If the water has a green film on the surface, you should not go in and avoid being in the water near sewers, livestock or after heavy rains.

“The rain can bring things like sewage overflows, polluted stormwater and runoff from land, making the water undrinkable for swimming,” she said.

Shower after swimming and wash your hands before handling food after swimming. If you have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, avoid the water and seek medical attention.

“If you notice that you are feeling unwell, get out of the water and seek medical attention as soon as possible,” she said.

The VDH announced that it would conduct “enhanced public health surveillance” until July 17 due to the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

This E. coli outbreak is unrelated to the situation at the North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County, where a bathing warning remains in place due to a harmful algal bloom.

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