Updated June 12, 2024

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has undertaken another series of water quality tests at Lake Anna, including one completed Tuesday, June 11th at the areas called “The Sandbar,” “Cocktail Cove” and Lake Anna State Park. Results are expected 3-4 days from the test date. Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) will be sharing the results of those tests as soon as they are available. In addition, The DEQ is testing seven more sites in a week or two, with LACA also testing another 26 sites, one of those sites being a duplicate of DEQ for quality control purposes.

According to Greg Baker, President of LACA, there are no singularly confirmed locations where the sick children had visited on Memorial Day Weekend. They had visited multiple locations around Lake Anna, and the Virginia Department of Health (VHD) has also not ruled out a food-borne illness.

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VDH is currently investigating the cluster of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses reported among individuals who visited the Lake Anna area during the Memorial Day weekend. It is confirmed that several affected individuals have been diagnosed with Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections.

The VDH has received numerous reports of GI illness, primarily affecting children, with some cases requiring hospitalization. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the illness, including potential exposures to lake water and food.

“We hope that those hospitalized continue to recover and can return home to their families soon,” said Rappahannock Health District Health Director Olugbenga O. Obasanjo, MD. “This is an ongoing investigation with the health department, and we will likely continue to learn about the situation in the coming days.”

While all reported cases include exposure to Lake Anna, there is currently insufficient evidence to definitively link the illnesses to the lake or any specific area within it. Ongoing water testing aims to determine bacterial concentrations and assess any potential public health risks.

The illnesses are not suspected to be related to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), as E. coli is not associated with these blooms. No current HAB events have been reported, though some algae activity typical for this time of year has been observed. An updated HAB status for Lake Anna will be available the week of June 10.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the VDH has not issued a swimming advisory but advises caution when swimming.

According to VHD, in order to prevent illness when swimming or boating in natural waters, individuals should:

• Avoid drinking untreated water and swimming with open wounds.
• Wash hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.
• Steer clear of swimming near storm drains.
• Avoid swimming if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
• Stay out of water with a green film, which may indicate an algal bloom.
• Shower after swimming to remove potential contaminants.
• Avoid swimming for three days after heavy rain, due to potential contamination from overflow.
• Properly dispose of human waste by using marina pump-out units or dump stations.

Anyone who visited the Lake Anna area on or after Memorial Day weekend and experienced GI symptoms should contact their local health department and seek medical care if symptoms persist.

The VDH will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. To maintain patient privacy, no further details about the affected individuals will be shared.

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June 6, 2024 – Reports have emerged of multiple children falling ill after swimming on the public side of Lake Anna, with several hospitalized due to a Shiga toxin infection. Larry Hill from the Virginia Department of Health stated on June 5th that they had no information to share but are preparing to release a statement later today.

Understanding Shiga Toxin and E. Coli Infections
Shiga toxin, produced by certain strains of E. coli, is a potent toxin that can cause severe illness. Infections can result from ingesting contaminated food or water, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Current Situation and Pending Investigation
Multiple children have fallen ill after swimming in Lake Anna, with several hospitalized due to a Shiga toxin infection. The source of the E. coli outbreaks remains unclear, whether it stems from the lake itself or another local source. “We have reported the information to VDH officials and are anxiously awaiting VDH’s results,” said Greg Baker of the Lake Anna Civic Association. Both Greg Baker and Larry Hill from the Virginia Department of Health have stated that they had no information to share but are preparing to release a statement later today after a morning meeting.

Previous E. Coli Concerns at Lake Anna
In 2018, Lake Anna experienced a significant E. coli outbreak, with dangerous levels detected at 14 locations around the lake. Doug Smith, president of the Lake Anna Civic Association, highlighted that the water tests revealed the highest E. coli levels in 20 years. Despite alarming test results, visitors, including University of Virginia graduate Victoria Ngo, continued to enjoy the lake.

Smith explained that rainfall can cause runoff from agriculture and natural sources, such as fecal matter, to flow into the lake, increasing E. coli levels. Experts advise visitors not to drink the water and to be cautious about where they choose to recreate.

Precautions and Safety Measures
E. coli infections can cause flu-like symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea. While no illnesses were reported during the 2018 outbreak, the current reports of hospitalized children highlight the ongoing risks. Visitors to Lake Anna should remain vigilant, follow health advisories, and avoid areas known to have high bacteria levels.

The Virginia Department of Health’s upcoming statement is expected to provide further guidance and information on the current situation. Stay tuned and watch for public service notices. Lake Anna Online and the Lake Anna Breeze will do a deeper dive on the issue in the upcoming days.

Jen Bailey

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