VDH closes investigation into E. coli outbreak at Lake Anna, swimming advisory remains

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has officially concluded its investigation into an outbreak of E. coli among people who swam in Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend.

The VDH previously announced that about 20 cases of the illness were reported, mostly in children, after Memorial Day celebrations at Lake Anna.

In a July 2 press release, the VDH said most-recent water samples from Lake Anna did not detect the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Additionally, it has been more than 20 days — or two ten-day incubation periods — since the last person who visited Lake Anna during Memorial Day weekend has gotten sick.

The department was unable to identify the source of the bacteria in the water.

“VDH will conduct enhanced public health surveillance through July 17, because of anticipated upcoming Fourth of July celebrations,” the release reads. “Information will be provided as it develops. This surveillance involves monitoring emergency department and urgent care visits, in addition to investigating any STEC case reported by a healthcare provider. VDH and its local health departments will continue to work with local partners to better understand potential risks in the area and prevention strategies to address those risks.”

The VDH still advises that people use caution when swimming in Lake Anna and other natural bodies of water.

“Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some health risk because the water is not disinfected,” the release reads. “Children under the age of five years, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.”

Lake Anna itself — specifically its North Anna Branch in Louisa County — remains under a swimming advisory due to harmful algae blooms unrelated to the E. coli outbreak.

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