Additional Coverage:
The Virginia Department of Health is currently investigating multiple cases of E. coli infection linked to Lake Anna, a favored spot for recreational activities in central Virginia. Following Memorial Day weekend, the department has been alerted to a significant number of gastrointestinal illnesses, predominantly affecting children who had been swimming in the lake. Out of these cases, at least nine individuals have required hospitalization.
The inquiries into these health incidents encompass the period from May 27 to June 4, and while there are an additional ten cases still under review, these have not yet been confirmed as E. coli infections. Despite all affected individuals having reported exposure to Lake Anna’s waters, health officials have stated that further information is required to definitively pinpoint the lake as the source of the outbreak.
In response to these reports, environmental and health authorities have undertaken water quality tests in Lake Anna to assess bacterial levels and determine any continued risk to public health; however, the outcomes of these tests are still awaited.
Lake Anna, which spans approximately 17 miles and boasts around 200 miles of shoreline, was created in the 1970s to provide cooling for a nearby nuclear power plant. This has led to the lake having distinct “warm” and “cold” zones owing to the thermal discharge from the power facility.
Officials have noted that the reported sicknesses have occurred in various locations around the lake. As a precaution, the health department has issued guidance for swimming in natural bodies of water, advising against consuming untreated water and recommending people with open wounds or cuts avoid swimming. The department also emphasized the risks associated with E. coli infection, which range from stomach discomfort to potentially life-threatening kidney conditions.
Dr. Olugbenga O.
Obasanjo, Health Director of the Rappahannock Health District, expressed hopes for the swift recovery of those hospitalized and recommended practices for safe swimming, including showering before and after entering the water, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding lake water ingestion. For individuals experiencing diarrhea, it is particularly advised to abstain from swimming in communal waters to prevent the risk of spreading illness.