The Lake Anna E. Coli epidemic is updated by VDH.
WWBT, LAKE ANNA, VAAn update on the E. coli incident that afflicted residents of the Lake Anna region during Memorial Day weekend is provided by the Virginia Department of Health.
According to VDH, at least 25 confirmed and likely cases have been recorded. Four of the people are from other states, and 21 are from the central, northern, and northwest areas of Virginia.
According to the agency, youngsters under the age of 18 were engaged in around 76% of incidents. Severe hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can develop from severe E. Coli infections. Five HUS instances involving children who needed hospitalization have been reported to VDH thus far.
Six important Lake Anna locations will have water samples taken as part of a partnership between VDH and the DEQ. In the Rappahannock Health District, there was a spike in cases during the first week of June. The Office of Environmental Health Services launched an inquiry shortly after and monitored the findings.
June 11 marked the first sample event, and June 17 is the date of the second. According to the results of the tests taken on June 11, the concentrations of all fecal bacteria were “well below a public health level of concern.”
You may get a map with the six sampled regions and the test results here.
According to VDH, there isn’t a single explanation for the outbreak, and they might not be able to find it. The department has been able to rule out the likelihood of poisoned food, though.
“Swimming in natural waters may expose swimmers to environmental pollution from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boat discharge, and swimmers,” the agency stated in a release. “Avoid swimming in areas with livestock.”
If you had diarrhea or stomach pains while in the Lake Anna region around Memorial Day weekend or later, get in touch with your local health authority and seek medical attention if your symptoms persist.
