LAKE ANNA, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Department of Health is extending a swimming advisory for the North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa and Spotsylvania counties, 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. The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.

This algae bloom is not associated with the recent outbreak of Shiga toxin- which made some severely sick late spring. Some of this algae can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illness.

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.

Click here for more information on the advisory.