Children hospitalized post-swim: E. coli outbreak

Health officials investigating E. coli outbreak at Virginia's Lake Anna

Health officials are investigating 23 cases of illnesses, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections and gastrointestinal issues, in people who visited Virginia's Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend. A press release from the Virginia Department of Health states that all those affected visited Lake Anna around the holiday.

"There's something in the water that's making all these kids sick."
- Fauquier County mother Judy Inglett to WRC-TV

Located 70 miles south of Washington, D.C., Lake Anna spans 13,000 acres in Louisa and Spotsylvania counties. The health department is conducting further tests on the lake water to determine the cause of the illnesses and is cautioning the public to take preventative measures when swimming in natural waters.

• Tips to prevent illness when swimming in lakes:

• Don't drink untreated water.
• Avoid swimming with open wounds.
• Maintain good hygiene, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
• Steer clear of storm drains and lakes with green film.
• Refrain from swimming if you're sick or within three days of heavy rain.

Natalie Neysa Alund: Senior Reporter, USA TODAY. Contact: nalund@usatoday.com