Catherine Rusoff
Environmental officials are testing lake water at a popular recreational destination in central Virginia after at least 20 people reported E. coli infections.
The Virginia Department of Health said to have received several reports of gastrointestinal illnesses over Memorial Day weekend, particularly in children, from people swimming in Lake Anna. At least nine people have been hospitalized due to infections, according to the department, which said in a June 6 statement that “all potential causes of illness, including lake water and food exposure, are being investigated.”
The illnesses occurred between May 27 and June 4, according to the health department. Another 10 cases are still under investigation, but E. coli infections have not been confirmed in those cases.
Although all of the patients confirmed to health authorities that they swam in or were exposed to Lake Anna water, the department said it did not yet have enough information to confirm that exposure to the lake was the cause of the illnesses.
“Lake water testing is being conducted to assess current bacterial concentrations and to determine whether a public health risk may be ongoing,” the department said.
Steve Helber/AP
The Department of Environmental Quality conducted water tests at the lake on Tuesday, but the results are still pending, according to the health department.
Lake Ana is a lake that is approximately 17 miles long and has about 200 miles of shoreline, according to Luisa County. It was formed in the 1970s as a reservoir to facilitate cooling for an adjacent nuclear power plant. As a result, the lake has a “cold” side and a “hot” side that is heated by water discharged from the plant to aid cooling.
The health department said the reported exposures occurred in many parts of the lake.
The health department has warned that swimmers in natural waters such as lakes and rivers should never drink untreated water and should not swim if their skin has cuts or open wounds.
E. coli infection can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. In severe cases, the infection can damage the kidneys and lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome.
“We hope that those hospitalized continue to recover and can return to their families soon,” said Rappahannock Health District Health Director Olugbenga O. Obasanjo in a June 6 statement, urging families to take precautions before swimming. in swimming pools, lakes or beaches. “Showering before and after swimming, washing your hands before eating and not drinking lake water are some of the ways to stay healthy this summer. It’s also important not to swim if you have diarrhea.”
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