VDH completes investigation into E. coli outbreak at Annasee, bathing warning remains in place

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has officially completed its investigation an outbreak of E. coli among the people who swam in Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend.

The VDH had previously announced about 20 cases of the disease Cases of COVID-19, mostly in children, were reported following Memorial Day celebrations at Lake Anna.

In a July 2 press release, the VDH said that no Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was detected in recent water samples from Lake Anna. In addition, more than 20 days – or two 10-day incubation periods – have passed since the last person who visited Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend became ill.

The department could not identify the source of the bacteria in the water.

“VDH will be conducting enhanced public health surveillance through July 17 as Fourth of July festivities approach,” the release said. “Information will be provided as it becomes available. This surveillance includes monitoring emergency department and urgent care visits and investigating any STEC case reported by a healthcare provider. VDH and its local health departments will continue to work with local partners to better understand potential risks in the area and develop prevention strategies to address those risks.”

The VDH nevertheless advises caution when swimming in Lake Anna and other natural bodies of water.

“Swimming or other activities in natural waters always carry some health risk because the water is not disinfected,” the press release states. “Children under five, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting diseases in natural waters.”

Lake Anna itself – especially its North Anna Branch in Louisa County – remains subject to a bathing warning due to harmful algal blooms has no connection to the E. coli outbreak.