The source of outbreak is not yet known.
The Virginia Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses in the Lake Anna area of Spotsylvania County that began over the Memorial Day weekend.
Brookie Crawford, a spokeswoman for the VDH, says there have been at least ten confirmed cases of E.coli already—and there may be more.
Some of the cases have led to patients being hospitalized, though it’s not clear if E.coli was the main reason.
The source of the contamination is still unknown, Crawford said. All of those with confirmed cases had either been swimming or had contact with the water in Lake Anna, but there are several other possible sources, such as a food truck or another food source.
E.coli causes stomach cramps and diarrhea that can sometimes be bloody. Symptoms also include vomiting, fever, the chills. Severe cases can cause organ damage, especially kidney damage.
The VDH has also received a number of reports of gastrointestinal illnesses, mainly in children, which had similar symptoms.
Rappahannock Area Health District Director Olubenga Obasanjo says the investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing.
“We expect to learn more in the coming days,” he said.
The lake water is being tested. VDH says there is no link between the E.Coli cases and the algae bloom that has contaminated the lake at its tributaries in the past.
The area is still open for swimming, but VDH is advising anyone who comes in contact with the water to take a shower right afterwards.
Other tips to avoid getting ill:
- Never drink untreated water and don’t swim at all in lakes, rivers, or the ocean if you have cuts or open wounds.
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
- Avoid swimming near storm drains where contaminated runoff might be abundant.
- Avoid swimming in untreated water, such as in rivers and lakes, for three days after a heavy rain, because of possible runoff contamination.
If you were in the Lake Anna area on Memorial Day weekend and have since experienced gastrointestinal illness, contact the local health department and seek medical care.
Crawford says it could take some time for the test results to come back on the likely source of the E.coli.
by Hank Silverberg
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