SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health has provided an update on its investigation into a reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak among people who were at Lake Anna during Memorial Day weekend.
As of Friday, June 14, the department said 25 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) probable and confirmed cases have been reported to the department in connection to an illness outbreak at Lake Anna on and after the Memorial Day weekend.
According to the department, 21 of those cases were Virginia residents from the Central, Northern and Northwest regions of the state. Most cases, a reported 76%, occurred in children younger than 18 years of age.
Severe STEC infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be serious, according to the department. As of June 14, five HUS cases were reported to the department, all of which were children who required hospitalization.
The Virginia Department of Health has partnered with the Department of Environmental Quality in the collection of water samples at six priority locations in Lake Anna. According to the department, there was an increase of STEC cases in the Rappahannock Health District during the first week of June.
Soon after, the Office of Environmental Health Services initiated an investigation and began tracking the results. The first sampling event occurred on June 11 and the second event is planned for June 17.
According to the department, water column samples were analyzed for bacteria, including E. coli, by the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, the state laboratory. Results for samples collected on June 11 indicated all fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a public health level of concern.
The cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified as the Virginia Department of Health continues to investigate. However, the department said it is possible it may not be able to identify the source.
“There is no indication that contaminated food was the source of the outbreak,” the department said in a release. “Environmental pollution from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge, and swimmers are potential sources of illness when swimming in natural waters.”
The department advises people to avoid swimming where livestock are present, as well as provides the following tips to prevent illness when swimming and boating in natural waters:
Never drink untreated water, and don’t swim if skin has cuts or open wounds. Natural waters such as rivers, lakes, and oceans contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
Wash their hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.
Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
Avoid swimming if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water and keep pets out as well. This may indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people sick.
Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Germs can come from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water & runoff from land.
Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
Anyone who was in the Lake Anna area on Memorial Day weekend, or has been in the area since then, and has experienced gastrointestinal illness, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea, is advised to contact a local health department and seek medical care.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health has provided an update on its investigation into a reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak among people who were at Lake Anna during Memorial Day weekend.
As of Friday, June 14, the department said 25 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) probable and confirmed cases have been reported to the department in connection to an illness outbreak at Lake Anna on and after the Memorial Day weekend.
According to the department, 21 of those cases were Virginia residents from the Central, Northern and Northwest regions of the state. Most cases, a reported 76%, occurred in children younger than 18 years of age.
Severe STEC infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be serious, according to the department. As of June 14, five HUS cases were reported to the department, all of which were children who required hospitalization.
The Virginia Department of Health has partnered with the Department of Environmental Quality in the collection of water samples at six priority locations in Lake Anna. According to the department, there was an increase of STEC cases in the Rappahannock Health District during the first week of June.
Soon after, the Office of Environmental Health Services initiated an investigation and began tracking the results. The first sampling event occurred on June 11 and the second event is planned for June 17.
According to the department, water column samples were analyzed for bacteria, including E. coli, by the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, the state laboratory. Results for samples collected on June 11 indicated all fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a public health level of concern.
The cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified as the Virginia Department of Health continues to investigate. However, the department said it is possible it may not be able to identify the source.
“There is no indication that contaminated food was the source of the outbreak,” the department said in a release. “Environmental pollution from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge, and swimmers are potential sources of illness when swimming in natural waters.”
The department advises people to avoid swimming where livestock are present, as well as provides the following tips to prevent illness when swimming and boating in natural waters:
Never drink untreated water, and don’t swim if skin has cuts or open wounds. Natural waters such as rivers, lakes, and oceans contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
Wash their hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.
Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
Avoid swimming if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water and keep pets out as well. This may indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people sick.
Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Germs can come from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water & runoff from land.
Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
Anyone who was in the Lake Anna area on Memorial Day weekend, or has been in the area since then, and has experienced gastrointestinal illness, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea, is advised to contact a local health department and seek medical care.