Mineral, Virginia: Virginia public health officials have announced that water testing at Lake Anna has shown that the water is safe for swimming, following a recent outbreak of E. coli infections affecting at least 25 people who visited the popular recreation spot last month.
Results from samples collected this week reveal that fecal bacteria concentrations are well below levels of concern for public health, officials reported in a statement on Friday evening. Investigations have not found any evidence linking contaminated food to the illnesses, and the source of the outbreak may remain unknown.
The statement also highlighted various potential sources of illness in waters like Lake Anna, including environmental pollutants from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge, and swimmers. Officials cautioned against swimming in areas where livestock are present to prevent contamination.
Among those infected, 25 individuals, mostly minors, have been affected, with five additional cases reported since Tuesday. Five children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of E.coli infection that often requires treatment such as blood transfusions and dialysis.
Parents of the sick children are demanding accountability for the outbreak, including Judy Inglett, whose daughter was recently discharged from the hospital following a 10-day stay. The health department has urged caution when swimming in natural waters, advising against drinking untreated water, swimming with open cuts, or swimming while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
Children under the age of 5, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of contracting illnesses from open waters, which may contain bacteria that are not disinfected like pool water. The department of environmental quality has been conducting testing at the lake to monitor E. coli concentrations, with additional rounds of testing scheduled for the coming weeks.
Despite recent reports of illnesses linked to Lake Anna, the lake remains a popular destination for recreation, offering about 10 miles of shoreline along the 13,000-acre reservoir. While harmful algae blooms have been a concern in the past, officials maintain that the current algae activity is normal for this time of year and is unrelated to the recent E. coli infections that have occurred at the lake.