Tag: lake anna

Swimming Advisory Extended for Lake Anna in Louisa, Spotsylvania Counties due to Harmful Algae Bloom

July 22, 2024
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, Brookie.Crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Swimming Advisory Extended for Lake Anna in Louisa, Spotsylvania Counties due to Harmful Algae Bloom
Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact with Sections of Lake Anna

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is extending a swimming advisory for the North Anna Branch of Lake Anna and adding a swimming advisory for the Upper and Middle sections of the Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna. These sections of the lake are experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.

This HAB is not associated with the recent outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) at Lake Anna area, as that pathogen is not associated with HABs.

The section of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria is:

North Anna Branch (advisory extended)

  • Upper North Anna Branch – From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm, to include the “Sandbar” of the lake and downstream to the Route 522 Bridge.
  • Upper and Middle North Anna Branch – From the Route 522 Bridge, to include Route 719 (Holladay Bridge), to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Drive

Pamunkey Branch (advisory added)

  • Upper-Upper Pamunkey Branch- From the upper inundated waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park
  • Upper Pamunkey Branch – From Runnymede Park to the confluence with Terry’s Run
  • Middle Pamunkey Branch – From confluence with Terry’s Run to Route 612 (Stubbs Bridge)

Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 7.22.2024.

Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins. One cyanotoxin was detected at both Upper North Anna and Pamunkey Branch sites, but below levels of health concern. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in advisory areas.

To prevent illness, people should:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted, WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
  • Never allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
  • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water.
  • Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
  • Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cooking fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.
  • Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if they suspect they experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
  • Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill.

The advisory will be lifted when algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Follow-up monitoring above Route 208 on the lake is planned (weather permitting) for the week of August 15. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless; however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

VDH and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration.

For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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Virginia Department of Health Closes Investigation of Lake Anna Area Memorial Day Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Closes Investigation of Lake Anna Area Memorial Day Outbreak
Latest Water Testing Did Not Detect Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports that the most recent testing of water samples collected from Lake Anna did not detect the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157. Additional fecal bacteria results for the water samples did not show levels that typically rise to public health concern. VDH would like to remind the public that the upper section of North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County remains under a swimming advisory due to harmful algal blooms (HABs) not related to this STEC outbreak.

VDH is concluding the STEC outbreak investigation associated with exposure to Lake Anna over the Memorial Day weekend. It has been more than 20 days (two ten-day incubation periods) since the last person who visited Lake Anna over the holiday became ill. Laboratory testing by the Virginia Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) was not able to identify STEC O157 bacteria in water samples from the lake. Additionally, VDH was not able to identify the source of the bacteria in the water.

Water testing is a snapshot in time and at a specific location. The samples used for STEC testing were collected about four weeks after the Memorial Day Weekend and might not reflect the water environment during the holiday weekend. These results also cannot predict future risk. Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some health risk because the water is not disinfected. 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.

VDH will conduct enhanced public health surveillance through July 17, because of anticipated upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. 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. DEQ will continue the routine bacterial monitoring of Lake Anna that occurs each year between April and October. This monitoring includes testing for fecal bacteria, but not STEC. The DEQ results are available at Water Quality Data Home.

To prevent illness when swimming, boating, wading, or recreating in natural bodies of water, people should:

  • Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
  • Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock.
  • Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
  • Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
  • Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

VDH and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force will continue to monitor water quality in the lake for HAB. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. More recommendations for healthy practices during water activities are available at www.SwimHealthyVA.com and CDC’s How to Safely Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers website.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA – 2 de julio de 2024
Persona de Contacto con los medios de comunicación: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia da por finalizada la investigación sobre el brote en Lake Anna durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day
Los últimos análisis del agua no detectaron Escherichia coli productora de la toxina Shiga (STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) O157

RICHMOND, Va. – El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH, por sus siglas en inglés) informa que los últimos análisis de las muestras de agua recogidas en Lake Anna no detectaron la presencia de Escherichia coli productora de la toxina Shiga (STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) O157. Los resultados de pruebas adicionales de las muestras de agua con respecto a las bacterias fecales no mostraron niveles preocupantes para la salud pública. Aun así, VDH quiere recordar al público que la sección superior de North Anna Branch de Lake Anna en Louisa County permanece bajo aviso de precaución para el baño debido a la proliferación de algas nocivas (HAB, por sus siglas en inglés) no relacionadas con este brote de STEC.

VDH da por finalizada la investigación del brote de STEC asociada con la exposición en Lake Anna durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day. Han pasado más de 20 días (dos periodos de incubación de diez días) desde que enfermó la última persona que estuvo en Lake Anna durante esa festividad. Las pruebas de laboratorio realizadas por Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS, por sus siglas en inglés) –División de Servicios de Laboratorio Consolidados del Departamento de Servicios Generales de Virginia– no detectaron la presencia de STEC O157 en las muestras de agua de Lake Anna analizadas. Además, VDH no ha sido capaz de identificar la fuente de la bacteria en el agua.

Los análisis del agua son una instantánea en el tiempo y en un lugar concreto. Las muestras utilizadas para las pruebas de STEC se recogieron unas cuatro semanas después del fin de semana del Memorial Day y podrían no reflejar las condiciones del agua durante ese fin de semana. Estos resultados tampoco permiten predecir riesgos futuros. Bañarse o realizar otras actividades en cualquier cuerpo de agua natural siempre conlleva algún riesgo para la salud, ya que el agua no está desinfectada. Los niños menores de cinco años, las personas mayores y aquellas que tienen un sistema inmunitario debilitado corren un mayor riesgo de contraer enfermedades procedentes de los cuerpos de agua naturales.

VDH reforzará la vigilancia de salud pública hasta el 17 de julio, debido a la próxima festividad del 4 de Julio. Les mantendremos informados. Esta vigilancia implica un seguimiento de las visitas a los servicios de urgencias y emergencias, además de la investigación de cualquier caso de STEC notificado por un proveedor médico. VDH y sus departamentos de salud locales, junto con sus colaboradores, seguirán trabajando para comprender mejor los posibles riesgos en la zona y las estrategias de prevención para hacer frente a esos riesgos. El Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) –Departamento de Calidad Medioambiental– continuará el control rutinario de bacterias en Lake Anna que se realiza cada año entre abril y octubre. Este seguimiento incluye pruebas de detección de bacterias fecales, pero no de STEC. Los resultados del DEQ están disponibles en Water Quality Data Home.

Para prevenir enfermedades al bañarse, nadar, navegar, chapotear o recrearse en cuerpos de agua naturales, se debe:

  • No tragar nunca agua no tratada y no bañarse si se tienen cortes o heridas abiertas en la piel.
  • Lavarse las manos con frecuencia, incluso después de nadar y antes de preparar y comer alimentos.
  • Ducharse o bañarse después de nadar para eliminar posibles gérmenes y productos contaminantes.
  • Revisar el agua y la zona alrededor de ella antes de bañarse. Evitar entrar en el agua si observa una capa verde o si el agua está más turbia de lo habitual. Evitar bañarse cerca de los desagües pluviales (tuberías que drenan el agua contaminada de las calles) y de las zonas donde hay ganado.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si tiene vómitos o diarrea.
  • Evitar el entrar en el agua hasta tres días después de una lluvia torrencial. La lluvia torrencial arrastra todo a su paso, incluidos los gérmenes de las aguas residuales desbordadas, las aguas pluviales contaminadas y la basura de la tierra.
  • Eliminar correctamente los desechos fecales vertiendo las aguas residuales de la embarcación en los puertos deportivos que cuenten con una unidad de bombeo o un vertedero.
  • Consultar a su médico antes de bañarse en océanos, lagos, ríos y otros cuerpos de agua naturales si la capacidad de su organismo para luchar contra los gérmenes ya está afectada por otros problemas de salud o por el uso medicamentos.

VDH y Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force (Equipo de trabajo para el control de proliferaciones de algas nocivas de Virginia) seguirán vigilando la calidad del agua de Lake Anna para detectar la presencia de algas nocivas. Por lo general, las advertencias se retiran después de dos pruebas consecutivas con niveles aceptables de recuento celular de algas y/o concentración de toxinas. Para obtener más recomendaciones sobre prácticas saludables durante las actividades en el agua, visite www.SwimHealthyVA.com y el sitio web de los CDC How to Safety Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers (Cómo visitar los océanos, lagos y ríos de manera segura).

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Virginia Department of Health Provides Update about the Lake Anna Area Outbreak Associated with Memorial Day Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 21, 2024
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Provides Update about the Lake Anna Area Outbreak Associated with Memorial Day Weekend

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing an update on the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in people who were in the Lake Anna area around Memorial Day weekend. The number of STEC cases (25) has not changed.

People who have been exposed to STEC typically develop symptoms within 3-4 days, but it can take up to 10 days. Among the 25 cases, 23 patients reported visiting the lake between May 24 and May 27 and the most recent illness onset date is June 4. Two patients did not visit the lake but had close contact with a person with STEC infection. VDH continues to investigate reports of ill patients and closely monitor the situation. It is possible that more outbreak cases will be identified.

As part of this investigation, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) collected water samples at six priority locations in Lake Anna on June 11 and June 17 that were tested at Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). The purpose of this testing was to determine if there was fecal contamination (human or animal waste) in the water. Water test results for samples collected on both June 11 and June 17 indicated that fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a level of public health concern. This type of testing has some limitations. Water testing can provide clues about the water environment and level of general fecal contamination at a point in time, but they are not specific to all types of bacteria that can cause illness.

The timeline of illnesses and reported exposures, combined with water testing results, is reassuring; it suggests (but does not confirm) that the reported illnesses were associated with a lake exposure that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend. However, at this time, it is not known whether the type of E. coli that causes severe illness, STEC, is present in Lake Anna. VDH emphasizes that exposure to any natural body of water, including swallowing untreated water or swimming with open wounds, represents a possible health risk. Children under the age of five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems) are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.

To prevent illness when swimming, boating, wading, or recreating in natural bodies of water, people should:

  • Never swallow untreated water, and don’t swim if the skin has cuts or open wounds. Natural waters, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
  • Avoid splashing water in faces and mouths.
  • Keep sand away from their mouth and children’s mouths. Sand contains germs that can cause illness if swallowed.
  • Wash 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 near livestock. Farm animals can carry germs that can cause a variety of illnesses in people.
  • 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 film might indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people and pets sick.
  • Avoid going in the water if it is cloudier than usual. Cloudy water can be a warning that more germs are in the water than normal.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
  • Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

For the most current information about this outbreak, visit VDH’s website or call the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682 (option 2). The VDH Call Center is open Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more healthy and safe swimming tips, visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA – 21 de junio de 2024
Persona de Contacto con los medios de comunicación: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH, por sus siglas en inglés) informa sobre el brote en la zona de Lake Anna asociado con el fin de semana de Memorial Day

RICHMOND, Va. – El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH) está proporcionando una actualización sobre el brote de Escherichia coli productora de la toxina Shiga (STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) en personas que se encontraban en el área de Lake Anna durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day. El número de personas afectadas (25) por la toxina STEC no ha variado.

Las personas que han estado expuestas a STEC suelen desarrollar síntomas en un plazo de 3-4 días, pero también pueden tardar en aparecer hasta 10 días. De los 25 casos, 23 pacientes declararon haber visitado Lake Anna entre el 24 y el 27 de mayo y la última fecha de aparición de la enfermedad fue el 4 de junio. Dos pacientes no fueron a Lake Anna, pero tuvieron un contacto estrecho con una persona infectada por STEC. VDH sigue investigando los informes de los pacientes enfermos y vigilando de cerca la situación. Cabe la posibilidad de que se identifiquen más casos.

Como parte de esta investigación, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) – el Departamento de Calidad Medioambiental de Virginia –, recogió muestras de agua en  los días 11 y 17 de junio, que fueron analizadas por Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS, por sus siglas en inglés) -División de Servicios de Laboratorio Consolidados del Departamento de Servicios Generales de Virginia-. La finalidad de esos análisis era determinar si había contaminación fecal (residuos humanos o animales) en el agua. Los resultados de los análisis de esas muestras de agua recogidas el 11 y el 17 de junio indicaron que la concentración de bacterias fecales estaban muy por debajo del nivel peligroso para la salud pública. Este tipo de análisis tiene algunas limitaciones. Los análisis del agua pueden dar información sobre el estado del agua y el nivel de contaminación fecal general en un momento dado, pero no son específicos para detectar todos los tipos de bacterias que pueden causar enfermedades. seis puntos prioritarios de Lake Anna los días 11 y 17 de junio, que fueron analizadas por Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS, por sus siglas en inglés)  – División de Servicios de Laboratorio Consolidados del Departamento de Servicios Generales de Virginia –. La finalidad de esos análisis era determinar si había contaminación fecal (residuos humanos o animales) en el agua. Los resultados de los análisis de esas muestras de agua recogidas en las fechas anteriormente mencionadas indicaron que la concentración de bacterias fecales estaba muy por debajo del nivel peligroso para la salud pública. Este tipo de análisis tiene algunas limitaciones. Los análisis del agua pueden dar información sobre el estado del agua y el nivel de contaminación fecal general en un momento dado, pero no son específicos para detectar todos los tipos de bacterias que pueden causar enfermedades.

La cronología de las enfermedades y las exposiciones notificadas, junto con los resultados de los análisis del agua, proporcionan una sensación de tranquilidad; sugiere (pero no confirma) que los casos notificados estaban asociados a una exposición en Lake Anna que se produjo durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day. Sin embargo, en este momento, no se sabe si el tipo de E. coli que causa enfermedades graves, STEC, está presente en Lake Anna. VDH hace hincapié en que la exposición a cualquier cuerpo de agua natural, incluida la ingestión de agua no tratada o el baño en las mismas cuando se tienen heridas abiertas, representa un posible riesgo para la salud. Los niños menores de cinco años, las personas mayores y aquellas que tienen un sistema inmunitario debilitado corren un mayor riesgo de contraer enfermedades procedentes de los cuerpos de agua naturales.

Para prevenir enfermedades al nadar, navegar, chapotear o jugar en cuerpos de agua naturales, las personas deberían:

  • No tragar nunca agua no tratada y no bañarse en ella si se tienen cortes o heridas abiertas en la piel. Las aguas naturales, como ríos, lagos y océanos, contienen gérmenes y contaminantes que pueden provocar enfermedades.
  • Evitar salpicar con agua la cara y la boca.
  • Mantener la arena alejada de la boca, especialmente de la boca de los niños. La arena contiene gérmenes que, si se ingieren, pueden causar enfermedades.
  • Lavarse las manos después de ir al baño y antes de preparar y comer alimentos.
  • Evitar bañarse cerca de los desagües pluviales (tuberías que drenan el agua contaminada de las calles).
  • Evitar bañarse cerca de zonas dónde hay ganado. Los animales de granja pueden ser portadores de gérmenes que pueden causar enfermedades diversas a las personas.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si tiene vómitos o diarrea.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si observa una capa verde en el agua. Así mismo, evitar que las mascotas entren en contacto con ella. Esta capa verde podría indicar una proliferación de algas y algunas algas producen toxinas que pueden hacer enfermar a las personas y a las mascotas.
  • Evitar meterse en el agua si está más turbia de lo habitual. El agua turbia puede ser un indicio de que hay más gérmenes de lo normal en el agua.
  • Ducharse o bañarse después de entrar en contacto con esa agua para eliminar posibles gérmenes y productos contaminantes.
  • Evitar el baño hasta tres días después de una lluvia torrencial. La lluvia torrencial arrastra todo a su paso, incluidos los gérmenes de las aguas residuales desbordadas, las aguas pluviales contaminadas y la basura.
  • Eliminar correctamente los desechos fecales vertiendo las aguas residuales de las embarcaciones en los puertos deportivos que cuenten con una unidad de bombeo o un vertedero.
  • Consultar a su médico antes de bañarse en océanos, lagos, ríos y otros cuerpos de agua naturales si la capacidad de su organismo para luchar contra los gérmenes está afectada por otros problemas de salud o por el uso de medicamentos.

Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre este brote, visite la página web de VDH o llame al 877-829-4682 (opción 2). El servicio de atención telefónica de VDH está abierto de lunes a viernes (excepto festivos) de 8 de la mañana a 5 de la tarde. Para más consejos sobre un baño sano y seguro, visite www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey Branch

September 22, 2023

Media Contact:Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov 
Brookie Crawford, Brookie.Crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey Branch; Upper and Middle North Anna Branch Advisories on Lake Anna Remain in Place
Public should avoid swimming in areas under advisory

RICHMOND, Va. – The Upper Pamunkey along with the Upper and Middle sections of North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County is experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.  Toxin results for samples are pending and should be available next week. The status report will reflect those updates (see link below). Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas based on samples collected on September 19 may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 9.22.2023.

The sections of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria:

Advisory Issued:

  • Upper Pamunkey Branch (advisory issued 9/22/23)– From the upper inundated waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park

Advisories which remain in place:

  • Upper North Anna Branch –From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge.
  • Middle North Anna Branch – From the Rt. 522 Bridge, to include Rt. 719 (Holladay Bridge), to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Dr.

Results for the Middle North Anna Branch were acceptable (pending toxin results). If toxin results are acceptable, this is the first of two samples required to lift the advisory.

The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 9.22.2023.  To lift advisories, there must be two acceptable samples collected at least 10 days apart. District health departments may accept results for samples collected less than 10 days apart at their discretion. The next sampling date is planned for the week of September 27, 2023 (weather permitting).

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration.

For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for the Upper Section of Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna; In Orange and Spotsylvania Counties

June 29, 2023

Media Contact:
Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for the Upper Section of Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna; In Orange and Spotsylvania Counties
Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact with section of Lake Anna above Rt. 208

(Richmond, Va.) – The Upper section of Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in Orange and Spotsylvania counties is experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 6.29.23.

The section of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria:

• Upper Pamunkey Branch- From the upper inundated waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park

Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in advisory areas. Follow-up monitoring above Route 208 on the lake is planned (weather permitting) for the third week of July.

Lake Anna State Park beach as well as six other sites had acceptable cyanobacteria densities and do not require a swimming advisory. Results from several of these sites detected toxins, but all were at acceptable levels.

Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

To prevent illness, people should:

● Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted,
WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
● Do not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
● Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water.
● Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
● Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cooking fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.
● Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
● Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration.

The Harmful Algal Bloom map is updated to reflect the HAB advisory status of Lake Anna. The recent advisory extent is summarized in the Lake Anna HAB Status Report 6.29.23. For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.