Virginia Department of Health Frequently Asked Questions about E. Coli at Lake Anna
What is E. Coli?
E. Coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Some strains of E. Coli can produce toxins that are harmful to humans. Children are at higher risk of developing serious illness from infection with strains of E. Coli that produce toxins.
What are the details surrounding the recent cases (“the event”) of E. Coli in the Lake Anna area?
Several cases of GI illnesses were reported following Memorial Day weekend, and some have resulted in hospitalizations. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) are conducting a comprehensive investigation of the situation. All reported cases appear to be associated with visiting Lake Anna around Memorial Day weekend, roughly May 26, 2024.
How does E. Coli propagate or spread?
E. Coli contact typically occurs through contamination in food or the environment. Water environmental contamination occurs most often in waters that are adjacent to a contamination source. VDH is investigating possible foodborne and environmental sources for this outbreak.
What is involved in VDH’s investigation of the event?
VDH is conducting a thorough investigation, evaluating each case for common factors – visits to the same place, swimming in the same area, etc., over the same period of time. VDH is reviewing tests of water samples from Lake Anna itself. VDH is also investigating to try and identify any potential environmental sources (such as failed septic system) or any sources of contaminated food.
When will the investigation be complete?
The investigation is ongoing and will continue until all lines of investigative pursuit have been exhausted.
Will the investigation uncover a cause?
Possibly. E. Coli event sources can be very difficult to identify. There is a good chance for VDH to identify an E. Coli source if this outbreak is foodborne. If this has been a single source, one-time environmental contamination event, it is entirely possible that the contamination and risk has been adequately mitigated by the normal flow of water in the lake.
Is Lake Anna safe to swim in?
At this time, through testing of the Lake Anna water on June 2, VDH has not identified levels of E. Coli in the water that are associated with an infection threat to the public. However, it should be noted that exposure to any natural water, including swallowing untreated water or swimming with open wounds, represents a risk. Recommendations for healthy practices during water activities are available from VDH at www.swimhealthyva.com.
Is (or will) the lake itself be monitored for E. Coli on an ongoing basis?
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will test Lake Anna water on 6/11/2024 and 6/25/2024.
Is Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) a potential cause for these illnesses?
The illnesses are not suspected to be linked to HAB. Additionally, VDH performs routine HAB testing at Lake Anna and no areas in Louisa County currently have unsafe levels of HAB. Up-to-date HAB information is available at www.swimhealthyva.com.
