1. Lake Anna Memorial Day weekend illness outbreak update
2. Virginia Department of Health Lake Anna Memorial Day weekend illness outbreak.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health has provided an update on its investigation into a reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak among individuals who visited Lake Anna during the Memorial Day weekend.
The department revealed that as of Friday, June 14, a total of 25 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) had been reported in connection to the outbreak at Lake Anna. The majority of these cases, 21 in total, were Virginia residents from various regions of the state, with 76% of the cases occurring in children under the age of 18.
According to the department, severe STEC infections have the potential to progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be a serious condition. As of the latest update on June 14, five cases of HUS had been reported, all of which involved children who required hospitalization.
Environmental Sampling and Investigation
The Virginia Department of Health has joined forces with the Department of Environmental Quality to collect water samples from six priority locations at Lake Anna. Following an increase in STEC cases in the Rappahannock Health District in early June, the Office of Environmental Health Services initiated an investigation and began monitoring the results. The first round of sampling took place on June 11, with a second event scheduled for June 17.
Water column samples were analysed for bacteria, including E. coli, by the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Results from the samples collected on June 11 indicated that all fecal bacteria concentrations were significantly below the public health level of concern.
Possible Sources of the Outbreak
Despite ongoing investigations, the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified by the Virginia Department of Health. It is acknowledged that it may prove challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the illness. The department stated that contaminated food did not appear to be the origin of the outbreak, suggesting that environmental pollution from various sources, including heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge, and swimmers, could potentially contribute to the spread of illness in natural waters.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
The Virginia Department of Health advises individuals to take precautions when swimming and boating in natural waters to prevent illness. Some of the recommended tips include:
- Avoid drinking untreated water and refrain from swimming if you have cuts or open wounds.
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing or consuming food.
- Avoid swimming near storm drains that may drain polluted water from streets.
- Avoid swimming if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Avoid water with a green film on the surface, as it may indicate the presence of toxic algae.
- Shower or bathe after swimming to remove germs and contaminants.
- Avoid swimming for three days after heavy rainfall to minimize exposure to germs from sewage and polluted runoff.
- Properly dispose of human waste by using designated pump-out units at marinas.
- Consult your healthcare provider before swimming in natural waters if your immune system is compromised.
If you were in the Lake Anna area during Memorial Day weekend or have visited the area since then and have experienced symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhoea, it is recommended that you contact your local health department and seek medical attention.
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– Lake Anna Memorial Day weekend illness outbreak
– Virginia Department of Health update on Lake Anna Memorial Day weekend illness outbreak.
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