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SWIMMING ADVISORY

Rashes, diarrhea and vomit: Lakes across Central Virginia close due to algae bloom

LUKE FOUNTAIN The Daily Progress 1 hr ago

As temperatures and lakeside land development rise, people can expect to see more toxic bacteria in the lakes of Central Virginia. ... Lake Anna in Louisa County is the most recent example of a growing trend; state officials have announced it is unsafe to swim in the water because of algae blooms.

Exposure to blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can cause in skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses, including symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. That’s why the Virginia Department of Health continues to advise people to not swim in Lake Anna as well as six other sites in the commonwealth until toxic levels are reduced.

“You do not want to touch blue-green algae,” Richmond Times-Dispatch meteorologist Sean Sublette told The Daily Progress. “People can become extremely ill if you ingest it, and your skin can break out in rashes. Take much caution near it and do not swim in it.”

Cyanobacteria blooms in freshwater bodies because of excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from human activities, including agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge.

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A harmful algal bloom map is regularly updated to reflect the advisory status of Lake Anna.

Luke Fountain (828) 320-6633
lfountain@dailyprogress.com
@Luke_Fountain25 on Twitter