Virginia Officials Testing Lake Water After E. coli Infections at Popular Recreational Destination

Following a wave of reported E. coli infections, environmental officials in central Virginia are taking measures to assess the safety of lake water at the popular recreational spot, Lake Anna.

Concerning because of report E coli infections

At least 20 individuals have come forward with reports of gastrointestinal illness, with the Virginia Department of Health noting that most cases were in children. The infections were linked to activities such as swimming in Lake Anna over the Memorial Day weekend. Shockingly, the department revealed that nine individuals have been hospitalized due to these infections. The health department has stated that it is thoroughly investigating all potential causes of the illness, including exposure to lake water and food.

Investigative Actions

The illnesses have been reported to have occurred between May 27 and June 4, with an additional 10 cases still under investigation. Although E. coli infections have not been confirmed in these cases, the affected individuals have all confirmed to health officials that they had been in contact with the lake water. However, the department has not yet been able to confirm that the lake was the direct cause of the illnesses. In light of this, water testing is being conducted to evaluate the current bacteria concentrations in the lake and to assess any potential ongoing public health risk.

Environmental Testing

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality conducted water testing at Lake Anna, and the results are currently pending. The lake, around 17 miles long with approximately 200 miles of shoreline, was established in the 1970s as a reservoir to aid in cooling at a neighboring nuclear power plant. This unique feature of the lake results in a "cold" side and a "warm" side, the latter being heated by water discharged from the plant to assist in cooling.

Health Advisory

The health department emphasized that reported exposures have occurred across various parts of the lake. It issued reminders urging swimmers in natural waters to refrain from drinking untreated water and to avoid swimming if they have cuts or open wounds. E. coli infection symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage and hemolytic uremic syndrome.