Marty Gordon, NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Warmer temperatures mean more people will be trying to beat the heat at places like Claytor Lake.
Recently, there have been questions about the dangers of swimming there, but the Virginia Department of Health is not reporting any E. coli breakout in waters associated with Claytor Lake and its swimming area. After social media posts increased this past week, VDH spokesperson Linda M. Scarborough said its district epidemiologist had not received any direct complaints, morbidity reports or positive labs indicating a reportable disease such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), campylobacteriosis (Campy), or Salmonellosis connected to Claytor Lake.
“However, gastrointestinal (GI) illness due to lake exposure is not beyond the realm of possibility,” she said. “The lake is subject to contamination from waterfowl and other runoff. Swallowing the water while swimming and eating without washing hands properly after water recreation are the most common culprits.”
And according to Margaret Smigo, the Waterborne Hazards and Marina Programs Manager with the Virginia Department of Health, gastrointestinal illnesses are the type most commonly linked to recreational waters.
The public should do its part to protect yourself and others when swimming, Smigo recommends the following: Don’t swim if you are ill. Don’t swim or play in water if you or your child has been sick with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Don’t swallow the water you swim in. One mouthful of water with germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks. Shower with soap and water before and after swimming.
Help prevent germs from getting into the water. Take children on bathroom breaks and check swim diapers every hour.
Here are also some other things to remember:
Algae are naturally occurring microscopic organisms that are found in fresh and salt waters of Virginia and around the world. They produce oxygen and food for animals. Most do not harm people, wildlife, or the environment. When many algal cells multiply in the water, it is called an algae bloom.
Blooms can change the water to appear green, red or brown. Most blooms are not harmful, but some may affect fish and humans, as well as other animals like birds and marine mammals. These are called Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Consult with a care provider if you believe you are experiencing health effects from exposure to a HAB waterbody. You may also report these effects to the VDH HAB Hotline at 1-888-238-6154.
