After another round of water testing, the Virginia Department of Health is closing its investigation into an E. coli outbreak at Lake Anna.
After another round of water testing, the Virginia Department of Health is closing its investigation into an E. coli outbreak at Lake Anna in Spotsylvania and Louis counties. The investigation began after 25 people reported contracting the gastrointestinal illness after swimming in the lake over Memorial Day weekend.
The most recent tests, conducted on June 25, were aimed at detecting the specific strain of the bacteria known as “Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157.”
“We can’t say whether or not this was the case over Memorial Day weekend, but we can tell you it’s not an ongoing problem,” said Brookie Crawford, public information officer for the Virginia Department of Health.
Crawford said water samples were taken three times last month, on June 11, 17 and 25. The latest sample was the only one specifically looking for the strain that is believed to have sickened swimmers. Crawford said that doesn’t mean the lake isn’t the culprit.
“Everyone who has been reported sick has all reported being at the lake and being exposed to it over Memorial Day weekend, so it’s likely that the lake is the cause. We just can’t confirm that scientifically at this point,” she added.
Among those sickened was Ava Inglett, 15, of Warrenton, Virginia, who suffered kidney failure from E. coli bacteria. The teenager has since been released from the hospital.
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in water from animal feces, so additional testing was done. Those tests found levels high enough to cause public concern, Crawford said.
She cautioned that the results do not rule out the existence of E. coli in the water and that there is a risk of contracting E. coli from swimming in the lake.
Crawford said tips for staying safe in the water include never swallowing untreated water and not swimming if you have cuts or open wounds on your skin. Also, if the water has a green film on top, don’t go in it and stay out of the water near storm drains, livestock or after heavy rain.
“Rainfall can accumulate things like overflowing sewage, polluted stormwater and runoff from the ground, making the water unsafe for swimming,” she said.
Be sure to shower after swimming and wash your hands before handling food after swimming. If you experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, avoid the water and seek medical attention.
“If you feel like you are not feeling well, make sure you get out of the water and seek medical attention as soon as possible,” she said.
The VDH said it would conduct “enhanced public health surveillance” through July 17, due to upcoming July 4 celebrations.
This E. coli outbreak is not related to the situation in the North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County, where a swimming advisory remains in effect due to a harmful algae bloom.
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